Empowering Indigenous Futures: The Vision of Indigenous Jobs Match

Our Founder

Edward Solien is the visionary founder of Indigenous Jobs Match, a platform dedicated to connecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers with mainstream organisations committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in their workplaces.

Identifying as Torres Strait Islander with connections to Badu Islands and Papua New Guinean, Edward brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by First Nations communities in accessing meaningful employment opportunities. As someone who has navigated these challenges himself, Edward is passionate about creating pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to achieve their career aspirations while helping organisations build culturally competent workplaces.

Edward is a Certified Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Specialist and a Certified Human Resources Business Partner, with extensive experience fostering inclusive workplace cultures. He has chaired numerous executive steering committees, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic insight in guiding organisational change and aligning initiatives with cultural and business priorities.

In addition to his professional achievements, Edward is an active advocate for social change and a respected voice within the LGBTIQA+ community. His lived experiences, including managing chronic health conditions, have shaped his unique perspective and strengthened his resolve to empower others.

Through Indigenous Jobs Match, Edward is driving a mission to bridge the gap between First Nations talent and progressive employers, fostering partnerships that honour cultural heritage and contribute to economic and social equity.

Four stickers: the word 'HUMAN' in rainbow colors, a heart with the message 'Not all disabilities are visible', a stylized blue and green hand with Torres Strait Islands banner, and a detailed illustration of a bird with ornate feathers and a spear.
Three smiling individuals taking a selfie outside a modern building.

Left: Shele Liddle
Middle: Sister Sono Weatherall - Founder - Strong Woman Talking
Right: Edward Solien (he/him) - Disabled, LGBTIQA+ and Torres Strait Islander Person

Edward’s Aboriginality Certificate and Credentials

Certificate of Completion awarded to Edward Solien for Certified DEIB Specialist, issued by AIHR. The certificate features a digital circuit pattern on the right side and logos at the bottom right corner.
Certificate of completion awarded to Edward Solien, signed by Erik van Vulpen, Dean of the Academy to Innovate HR, issued on June 19, 2024, with logos and digital circuitry graphics.
Official document titled 'Confirmation of Descent' from Nutcha Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation, confirming Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent for a candidate named Edward Solien, with organisation details, a date of December 9, 2024, and an official red stamp/seal.
Official document titled 'Confirmation of Aboriginality' with a logo featuring a stylized snake in red, black, and white, and a red stamp at the bottom. The document states the declaration of Mr. Edward Philip Solien as an Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander from Badu Island, Queensland, signed and dated December 17, 2024, with official stamps and signatures.