All in Indigenous

Addressing Indigenous Cultural Values in Water Allocation Planning

superuser — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 01:28:37 +0000

IDs and People

Program:

Social and Institutional Research Program

Tropical Rivers Research and Development

Program Theme:

Indigenous Natural Resources Management

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

CSE26

Subjects

Subjects:

Indigenous

Water (General)

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Scoping study: Aboriginal management and planning for country

superuser — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 07:12:20 +0000

The Ord-Bonaparte Program (OPB) of Land & Water Australia ran from 2002 to 2005. OBP Project 1 was about Planning for Country with Subprogram 5 about Aboriginal Planning and Management for Country. The initial activity of Subprogram 5 was a Scoping Study to identify areas for the development of research projects for implementation.

IDs and People

Program:

Social and Institutional Research Program

Program Theme:

Social and Institutional Research

LWA Project Code:

KLC2

Host Organisation:

Land and Water Australia

Subjects

Subjects:

People (General)

Indigenous

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Developing institutional arrangements of Indigenous participation in the National Water Initiative

superuser — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:10:14 +0000

This LWA funded project developed a research program for the Indigenous Water Policy Group to cover identified information gaps and key issues. The themes included: identification of Indigenous water rights; interactions between water markets and the customary sector; examination of international experience, frameworks and models; Indigenous economic position in water use and markets; representation on environmental bodies; communication; and scrutiny of water services, maintenance and delivery. The project was based on the observation that while the National Water Initiative offers some economic opportunity for Indigenous communities, the NWI provisions are discretionary.

IDs and People

Program:

Social and Institutional Research Program

Program Theme:

Social and Institutional Research

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

0071001

Host Organisation:

Land and Water Australia

Subjects

Subjects:

Indigenous

Water (General)

Keywords:

Policy

Water

Economic

Indigenous

group

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Governance of water: an agreement model for customary law Governance

superuser — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 04:01:25 +0000

Aboriginal Law and culture in remote Australia remains active and strong. In this project, Professor Donna Craig and the Anmatyerr Water Team demonstrate a process for local active parties to take on management of places significant to them that improves cultural and natural heritage values and indigenous futures.

There exist many places of significance to Aboriginal people that are not covered by formal management processes. In the NT this includes but is not limited to small reserves not listed on the schedule for formal joint management. Professor Craig and her team prepared a draft agreement that demonstrated the principles outlined in her findings.

IDs and People

Program:

Social and Institutional Research Program

Program Theme:

Indigenous Natural Resources Management

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

NTU23

Researchers:

Professor Donna Craig

Subjects

Subjects:

Indigenous

Catchment Management

Keywords:

Aboriginal

law

culture

remote

Anmatyerr

Water

team

local

reserves

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Kantri is for Laif

superuser — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 05:50:58 +0000

This report is the output of the LWA, NAILSMA and Tropical Savannas CRC project, A Strategy for the Promotion of Indigenous Knowledge and the Development of Indigenous Livelihoods on the Remote north Australian Indigenous Estate.

IDs and People

Program:

Social and Institutional Research Program

Program Theme:

Social and Institutional Research

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

TRC3

Host Organisation:

Land and Water Australia

Subjects

Subjects:

Conservation

Indigenous

Keywords:

Indigenous

knowledge

Natural resource

Management

land

sea

intellectual

property

protection

database

Technology

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Indigenous engagement in water management across northern Australia's Indigenous estate

superuser — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 01:56:35 +0000

The principal investigators, Joe Morrison and Sue Jackson from the Tropical Savannas Management Cooperative Research Centre, identified the need for a sound understanding of the current condition of river and wetland environments and their contemporary role in meeting the subsistence and spiritual needs of indigenous communities.

IDs and People

Program:

Tropical Rivers Research and Development

Program Theme:

Indigenous Natural Resources Management

LWA Project Code:

TRC4

Subjects

Subjects:

Indigenous

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Resources

External Links:

NAILSMA

Recognising and Protecting Indigenous Values in Water Resource Management

superuser — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:56:05 +0000

A two-day workshop on Indigenous cultural values and water resource management was held at CSIRO in Darwin, NT in April 2006, with the aim of exploring what Indigenous managers of water resources in northern Australia could learn from other regions where water has been developed. The workshop attracted participants from the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT. Several institutions were represented, including Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal land management bodies, conservation and natural resource management agencies, research organisations, the Northern Land Council, the Kimberley Land Council and the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority of the NT.

IDs and People

Program:

Social and Institutional Research Program

Tropical Rivers Research and Development

Program Theme:

Indigenous Natural Resources Management

Subjects

Subjects:

Indigenous

Water (General)

Keywords:

cultural resource management

Project Information

Summary:

The project contained a number of components and attendant methodological approaches. Firstly, it entailed a substantial communication effort directed towards representative Aboriginal organisations (NLC and the Daly River Aboriginal Reference Group (ARG)), NT government hydrologists and water resource managers and via presentations in research forums. Face-to-face interviews, small discussion groups and large group meetings were held over the course of the project, as was a workshop with inter-state representation from Indigenous people. Innovative communication materials, tailored to Aboriginal people’s literacy and numeracy levels, were developed to address the high level of ignorance of water resource institutions and management processes. Effort was made to communicate the project’s rationale, objectives and results at numerous scientific/river management conferences and in publications (see below).

Literature reviews of Australian and international experience in addressing Indigenous peoples’ requirements for water were undertaken (see attached report). Environmental flow assessment in South Africa and New Zealand appear to be the most advanced in addressing cultural differences and are therefore of most interest for their application to the Daly region and other Australian cases. In so far as possible with a desk-top review, close attention was given to the way in which ‘cultural values’ have been defined, interpreted, framed within the environmental planning process, and the role of Indigenous or local knowledge in assessment processes.

Daly River Aboriginal values were explored through open-ended interviews and through interpretation of people’s statements and corporate positions taken at workshops, public meetings and internal meetings. Environmental knowledge, including philosophy and cosmology, plays an important part in defining the terms of an environmental dispute or controversy, and in determining the authority and ability of various players to affect change. The project sought to provide information derived from Western science in a manner that did not undermine the validity and worth of Aboriginal systems of knowledge (see IAH poster). The plain English story books produced during the project enabled readers, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, to reflect on how people come to know things as well as what they know. This cross-cultural approach was extended to the analysis of social and cultural values and the contemporary constraints on addressing Indigenous requirements in resource management contexts (Jackson 2005a; 2006). Results from this analysis were discussed with Aboriginal people in dialogue over many months, with NT and Commonwealth policy-makers during meetings (NTRETA and NWC), other researchers at conferences, and in the final workshop in April. Two journal articles were produced from this component of the project.

The project experienced some delays that were unanticipated. Ensuring the accuracy of environmental planning and hydrological information and the simplification of complex concepts took longer than expected (requiring input from numerous people in NTRETA). Nonetheless, the final products (2 plain English story books) were of a high standard and were very well received.

Consistent with action-based research methods the project was responsive to changes in direction suggested by the ARG. Late in the project strong interest was expressed in using oral histories to reveal the connections between people and place and this slight change in orientation to the project has affected achievement of objective 2 (as discussed below). I sought to employ local Indigenous researchers to conduct these interviews. This resulted in some delays (e.g. meeting training needs) and the outcome was adversely affected by staff change-over and inexperience. As well, documenting the traditional knowledge of the river system proved more difficult than anticipated in the time frame initially proposed. The survey of the mythical-spiritual landscape, to be funded by the NLC has not yet been completed because the consultant anthropologist fell seriously ill during 2005.

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Background

Project Background:

Water allocation processes across tropical Australia are struggling with the question of how to acknowledge and protect Aboriginal values and interests in water-dependent ecosystems. Indigenous interests in environmental flows research and water resource policy have tended to be neglected, consequently Aboriginal people have rarely participated equitably in water management decision-making. This project was conceived as a pilot with the intention of engaging Aboriginal traditional owners and resource managers in applied research and problem – solving. It examined international sociological approaches to environmental flow assessment and water management and developed a framework for addressing Australian Indigenous interests. The project provided funds for community engagement and products to raise awareness of hydrological science and water management institutions amongst the Aboriginal community of the Daly River. Academic publications conveyed results from the project and a workshop held in Darwin on cultural values and water, generated dialogue between water resource managers, researchers, and Aboriginal people from numerous Australian regions.

Aims:

Ensure Aboriginal people in a significant section of the Daly River catchment understand the contemporary water resource management regime, especially water allocation planning
Demonstrate how Aboriginal environmental knowledge can contribute to the determination of environmental water requirements
Define the Indigenous cultural values of water and investigate the means for incorporating and protecting cultural values in the Daly River water allocation plan
Develop and communicate a generic framework and methods from the Daly experience for use in other tropical catchments, and where Indigenous interests are similar.

These objectives were met through close collaboration with, and financial support from, the peak Aboriginal organisation, the Northern Land Council (NLC), and the NT Department of Resources, Environment and the Arts (NTRETA).

Resources

External Links:

Recognising and protecting Indigenous values in water resource management (CSIRO)

The Engagement of Indigenous Australians in Natural Resource Management

superuser — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 05:13:51 +0000

Land & Water Australia has a portfolio of Natural Rresource Management (NRM) research concerning the relationship of Indigenous Australians to the environment and their involvement in NRM.

This project is a synthesis of knowledge aiming to make the results of the research more accessible to NRM policy makers, managers, practitioners, researchers and Indigenous community members.

IDs and People

Program:

Social and Institutional Research Program

Program Theme:

Indigenous Natural Resources Management

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

ARO1

Researchers:

Alice Roughley

Susie Williams

Subjects

Subjects:

Indigenous

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

The Mungabareena Reserve: Wiradjuri Reconciliation Project 2000 - a 3 year journey

superuser — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:20:53 +0000

Yalmambirra does not give up!

A late comer to University, he now lectures at the Charles Sturt University, but the story Yalmambirra wants to tell is about initiating and maintaining community support in very trying circumstances.

IDs and People

Program:

Innovation

Program Theme:

Community Fellows

Research Type:

Community Fellow

Researchers:

Yalmambirra

Subjects

Subjects:

Landscapes

Biodiversity

Conservation

Indigenous

Keywords:

2002 2003 Community Fellow

Project Information

Summary:

Yalmambirra does not give up!

Several years ago, and with the support of the local Wiradjuri Elders, Yalmambirra applied for and received a Natural Heritage Trust Grant to rehabilitate and revegetate about 45 hectares of land. Over many months, the project was disrupted by vandals and by Mother Nature, but Yalmambirra kept at it!

The unsympathetic nature of the community both Indigenous and non-Indigenous did not help.

The future looks a lot brighter. Cattle have been removed and more than 11,500 trees have been planted. Picnic tables, walking tracks and interpretive signs are next on the agenda.

‘I have not given in on the project [to rehabilitate the project area] nor have I given up on the people who have assisted me this far’ says Yalmambirra.

‘My story could be used to enlighten people as to the pitfalls of among many issues: applying for funding, what to do with the funding once it comes through, the attitudes of the community of environmental projects and how to use those attributes. And an awareness of indigenous people and their ties to the land’.

Land & Water Australia will support Yalmambirra to give a series of personal presentations covering these issues.

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Horizons and Heartlands - Songs and Images from the Mallee

superuser — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 02:35:38 +0000

broad acre farmers based in the Mallee who are convinced that sustainable farming techniques can assist the region achieve economic prosperity.

IDs and People

Program:

Innovation

Program Theme:

Community Fellows

Research Type:

Community Fellow

Researchers:

Jeanette Wormald

Subjects

Subjects:

Indigenous

Keywords:

Mallee

horizons

heartlands

songs

images

Project Information

Summary:

broad acre farmers based in the Mallee who are convinced that sustainable farming techniques can assist the region achieve economic prosperity.

Passionate about raising awareness of the need to care for the Mallee, Jeanette uses her music talents to promote sustainable agricultural practices.

Her Land & Water Australia Community Fellowship was used to develop and tour her Horizons and Heartlands - Songs and Images of the Mallee concert which she toured to Tamworth, Gympie, Coffs Harbour, Sydney and Canberra in August and September 2004.

Since receiving the Fellowship Jeanette has also been named a national finalist in the prestigious Golden Saddle Awards for independent country music artists. For more information about the tour and the show visit Jeanette’s website at www.jeanettewormald.com.

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

Regulation of indigenous rights through environmental regulation (with a water focus)

superuser — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:51:07 +0000

IDs and People

Program:

Social and Institutional Research Program

Program Theme:

Indigenous Natural Resources Management

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

ANU39

Researchers:

Jessica Weir

Subjects

Subjects:

Indigenous

Water (General)

Project Information

Summary:

Regulation of indigenous rights through environmental regulation (with a water focus)

Current Activities

Status:

Pending

East Kimberley pastoral and cultural project

superuser — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:38:54 +0000

IDs and People

Program:

Social and Institutional Research Program

Program Theme:

Community Participation

Indigenous Natural Resources Management

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

TRC2

Researchers:

Gordon Duff

Subjects

Subjects:

Indigenous

Project Information

Summary:

East Kimberley pastoral and cultural project

Current Activities

Status:

Pending

Recognising Indigenous Water Rights and Values in NRM Structure, Process and Legislation

superuser — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:08:00 +0000

Anmatyerr (pronounced u-mutch-er-a) people (tyerrty) seek respect for, and recognition of, their cultural values. The Anmatyerr Water Project covered objectives relating to water, natural resource management, protecting Aboriginal Law and knowledge, training, inter-cultural literacy, and sustainable livelihoods and economies. The main goals of the project were to:

IDs and People

Program:

Social and Institutional Research Program

Tropical Rivers Research and Development

Program Theme:

Innovation Call

Indigenous Natural Resources Management

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

002331

Legacy (KMS) Project ID:

NTU18

Host Organisation:

Charles Darwin University

Researchers:

Naomi Rea

Subjects

Subjects:

Indigenous

Water (General)

Catchment Management

Project Information

Summary:

Recognition of Indigenous values and rights in water management procedures through the TRaCK initiative

Current Activities

Status:

Complete

The regulation of Indigenous rights through environmental legislation

superuser — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:46:44 +0000

IDs and People

Program:

Social and Institutional Research Program

Program Theme:

Indigenous Natural Resources Management

Research Type:

Research Project

LWA Project Code:

ANU39

Host Organisation:

The Australian National University

Researchers:

Jessica Weir

Subjects

Subjects:

Indigenous

Keywords:

environmental

legislation

Project Information

Summary:

The regulation of Indigenous rights through environmental legislation

Current Activities

Status:

Pending

Indigenous participation in the National Water Initiative thought the TRaCK initiative

superuser — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 06:04:29 +0000

More information

Download Building better Indigenous Participation from the Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge (TRaCK ) website

IDs and People

Program:

Social and Institutional Research Program

Program Theme:

Indigenous Natural Resources Management

LWA Project Code:

TRC13

Subjects

Subjects:

Indigenous

Rivers and Wetlands

Tropical Rivers

Project Information

Summary:

Indigenous participation in the National Water Initiative thought the TRaCK initiative

Current Activities

Status:

Active

Location

State & NRM Region:

Northern Territory