Complementing the influential body of literature that analyses the social and cultural determinants of health, this paper considers some implications of the mounting evidence that Indigenous nation building for self-governed self-determination results in improved outcomes for Indigenous peoples.

The authors broaden discussions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health and wellbeing by explaining how Indigenous nation building enables vital political determinants of health. This includes consideration of how Indigenous nation building can support and be supported by the work of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled health organisations.