The authors of this paper argue that capability functioning for adaptive self-determination, which was mobilised by Indigenous organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic, arguably constitutes a public good for the whole nation, not just for Indigenous communities.

This paper is an exploration of the potential opportunities and costs of linkages between philanthropic bodies, non-government organisations (NGOs), Indigenous organisations and the academy. Following an overview of the evolution of the ‘Literacy for Life’ project, provided as a case study of the development of the type of collaboration we want to explore, the paper...