Logo Story

The NATSIPA Te Akatea 2026 Conference logo is a powerful visual expression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, cultural strength and collective purpose. Designed on Bundjalung Country by local Bundjalung artist Jason King, the artwork draws on cultural storytelling to reflect the deep connections between Country, community and education leadership.

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Each element of the design carries meaning and intention, honouring the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school principals as cultural custodians, advocates and leaders shaping the future of education across Australia.

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The Sun Touching Bundjalung Country

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The rising sun over Bundjalung Country recognised as the first place to receive the light symbolises the illumination of truth, knowledge and cultural leadership. It honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander principals as the first voices in shaping education systems grounded in Country, culture and community.

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The sun also marks the beginning of the NATSIPA Te Akatea 2026 gathering, where delegates come together on coastal land to share wisdom, strengthen leadership and renew collective purpose.

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The Coastline

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The coastline represents a place of meeting, transition and connection. It is where stories, ideas and leadership converge. This element reflects the Association’s commitment to building strong relationships and meaningful partnerships across education systems.

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As land meets sea, the coastline symbolises a shared horizon and collective responsibility to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through collaboration, advocacy and unity.

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The Black Feather

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At the heart of the design is the black feather, drawn from a Bundjalung story about how the birds received their colours. This story honours the elder pelican and the lesson he shares that while each bird carries differences and vulnerabilities, they also hold unique strengths.

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The black feather reflects the Association’s dedication to reconciliation, respect and understanding. It speaks to the importance of valuing diverse voices, lived experiences and cultural knowledge to inform leadership and national education policy.

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The Gathering Circle

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The gathering circle symbolises unity, collaboration and the coordinated support network that sustains Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educational leaders. It represents a space of shared learning, strategic influence and collective care.

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Within the circle, principals come together to support one another, strengthen leadership capacity and shape the future of education with integrity, courage and cultural strength.

Cultural Message and Purpose Alignment

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Just as the birds gathered to celebrate their colours, NATSIPA Te Akatea Conference 2026 is a celebration of leadership, diversity and cultural pride. The elder pelican’s story reminds us that true strength lies in recognising each other’s gifts and walking together with respect.

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This message aligns with the Association’s purpose: to be a representative national voice, to build strong networks of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school leaders, and to safeguard cultural integrity within education systems now and for future generations.

The Artist – Jason King

Jason King is a local Aboriginal artist, born in Murwillumbah, raised in Tumbulgum, and living on Bundjalung Country in the Tweed Valley his whole life.

He comes from a large, culturally diverse family and has strong connections to the local community. Jason is a proud descendant of Bundjalung (Tweed Valley) and Gumbaynggirr (Coffs Coast) peoples, as well as South Sea Islanders (Vanuatu).

Jason draws inspiration from the original storytellers of the land—desert painters, ancient rock art, Aboriginal dance, language, and song. His lifelong relationship with nature and Country has deeply shaped his artistic practice.

Through learning, sharing, and honouring story, language, and culture, Jason has developed a profound connection to Bundjalung Country where he grew up, and to his ancestral Gumbaynggirr lands. Storytelling sits at the heart of his work, inspired by nature, lived experiences, and cultural knowledge.

It is this deep respect for story, and his passion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, that Jason hopes will resonate with those who engage with his artwork.