Recognition of the need to heed and incorporate Aboriginal Cultural Science and Knowledges is increasing across many industries, particularly in environmental and waterway management. Inclusion of Aboriginal peoples in these discussions is crucial – “nothing about us, without us”.
However, there are many barriers to effective engagement and consultation of Aboriginal individuals and communities and in the effective incorporation of shared Cultural Knowledge into existing western frameworks.
This talk presents case studies of Aboriginal Cultural engagement across relating to water access and governance NSW and discusses the successes and learnings we have taken from this work. Through our work we have found that collaborative engagement processes built on strong relationships to place, an honest sharing of perspectives and an investment of time can provide a path forward to effective, two-way, cross-cultural Knowledge Sharing and incorporation of Cultural Science.