WET TROPICS RAINFOREST ABORIGINAL PEOPLES’ CONSULTATION about CULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (CNRM) 2014
Report
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 1 This initiative was made possible through Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ core partnerships: The Cairns Institute, School of Indigenous Australian Studies and others from James Cook University, the Wet Tropics Management Authority, CSIRO and Regional Development Australia FNQ&TS. supported by related funding from the Australian Government, the Indigenous Heritage Program of the Australian Government and its National Environmental Research Program managed through the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre. We thank Terrain NRM for commissioning Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ input to the Wet Tropics NRM Plan. None of this would have been possible without the support of Rainforest Aboriginal people including those who participate in the core leadership group and our north, central and south quorum parties Jabalbina Yalanji, Central Wet Tropics Institute for Country and Culture and Girringun Aboriginal Corporations.
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Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 2
We, the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, Traditional Owners of the Wet Tropics of Australia, pay our deep and abiding respects to our Ancestors and our Elders, whose legacy of Bama Law and Culture we carry through the present and into the future in our continuing connection to Country Ð its Spirits and its Dreamings Ð which remain intimately and inalienably related to ourselves; to our traditional and custodial lands and waters; and to all the native animals and plants therein. (Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ CNRM Summit, NAIDOC Week July 2010)
20 Tribal Groups Ð 20,000 Traditional Owners Ð >200 generations and 20+ years of looking after Australia's world heritage Ð our tropical rainforest country, culture and people Ð> Project 2020
This report records what Rainforest Aboriginal people across the north, central and south of Wet Tropics region country are saying at this point of time, coming up to 30 years since rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ country was inscribed on the World Heritage List with a management authority, and coming up to 15 years since the regional body for natural resource management come into being as Terrain NRM. It draws from • The 2014 on-ground engagement with Rainforest Aboriginal peoples across the 20 tribal groups, • The December 2014 Booran Gathering of the Rainforest Aboriginal peoples, • complemented with the earlier Wet Tropics Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Consultation about Cultural and Natural Resource Management (CNRM) 2013 Final Report, and • analysis of Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ developments since 2010 including the proceedings of the 2010 regional Summit, the 2012 regional Summit and the 2013 Cultural Values regional gathering.
We thank all the people who contributed as individuals, partnerships, small groups and organisations, including in particular, all those persons noted in Appendix Two, and all those who have contributed over the five years since 2010. We thank Linda Leftwich, Nerelle Nicol, Anthony Penrith, Desley Thompson and Valmai Turpin as the RAPORTer team on-ground; Ken Reys and Paul Barrett and Central Wet Tropics Institute for Country and Culture Aboriginal Corporation, Maryanne Port and Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation, Phil Rist and Girringun Aboriginal Corporation as the RAP Quorum group north, central and south; those RAP persons who participated along with the RAP quorum as the RAP core leadership direction setting group for the RAP 2014-15 project; and Robyn Bellafquih, Peter Cleary, Alf Joyce, Jenny Joyce, Joann Schmider and Sarah Warne as the RAP 2014-15 Project Team. We pay regard to Professor Stewart Lockie, Professor Allan Dale and Jim Turnour of The Cairns Institute James Cook University; Professor Yvonne Cadet-James and Dr Felecia Watkin of the JCU School of Indigenous Australian Studies; and Professor Bruce Prideaux JCU; CSIRO’s Dan Metcalfe, Ro Hill and Iris Bohnet; RDA FNQ&TS; WTMA’s Executive Director and staff, and Terrain NRM’s Carole Sweatman, Board and staff for your active interest, support and involvement across the work culminating in the RAP 2014-15 Project. The outcomes of the RAP 2014-15 Project include this report and other publications referenced in the text. This report is set out as Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ input to the redevelopment of the Wet Tropics' Natural Resource Management NRM Plan. Mapping the inputs within the 5+3 Agenda enables Rainforest Aboriginal peoples and mainstream partners and stakeholders progressing, separately and together, interests and regional strategy for the Wet Tropics based on Traditional Owner custodial perspectives as the underlying and central weave for residents and visitors and for this country now shared by many, preparing for the 2020s decade ahead.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 3
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ...... 5
Input from on-ground engagement ...... 8
Input from the Booran gathering ...... 15
The zone reports ...... 24
A. FEEDBACK ABOUT RAINFOREST ABORIGINAL PEOPLES’ VISIONS, VALUES AND PRIORITIES ...... 27
Theme 1. Promoting and protecting rainforest Aboriginal culture and heritage ...... 28 Theme 2. Looking after rainforest country and conservation areas ...... 43 Theme 3. Managing reef and rainforest waters ...... 48 Theme 4. Planning and acting for the future ...... 51 Theme 5. Benefitting economically ...... 58
Enabler 1 – Strength of Traditional Owner participation ...... 67 Enabler 2 – RAP knowledge management ...... 76 Enabler 3 – Coordinated investment partnerships ...... 82
B. CONCERNS, ISSUES, BLOCKERS AND ENABLERS ...... 95
C. ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES AND DRIVERS (INCLUDING CLIMATE CHANGE) .. 101
D. DECISION MAKING POINTS OF CONTACT ...... 103
E. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ...... 108
APPENDIX ONE – THE ZONE REPORTS ...... 114
1 – Daintree River North To Annan River ...... 115 2 - Wangetti, north to Daintree River ...... 120 3 - Greater Cairns - north to Wangetti, south to Edmonton (includes Yarrabah), west to Kuranda ...... 129 4 - Mareeba Region ...... 139 5 - Russell and Mulgrave River Region - Gordonvale to Babinda ...... 149 6 - Southern Tablelands Region - Atherton, Herberton, Ravenshoe and Malanda ...... 162 7 - Lower Johnstone River – Innisfail Hinterland ...... 169 8 - Upper Herbert Region – Mount Garnet ...... 174 9 - Tully to Cardwell Region ...... 178 10 - Hinchinbrook Region - Lower Herbert River – Ingham / south to Rollingstone .... 184
APPENDIX TWO – THE 2014 PARTICIPANTS ...... 190
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 5 INTRODUCTION
Input from on-ground engagement ...... 9 Geographic distribution Organisational roles Incorporated Traditional Owner CNRM-related entities Tribal group identification Input from the Booran gathering ...... 15 RAP participation The agenda Pathways forward – Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Wet Tropics regional 5 +3 agenda Empowering local autonomous TO groups and strategic regional collaborations Managing our Wet Tropics Aboriginal cultural values Ensuring Bama underlay for the new NRM Plan for the Wet Tropics region Putting Bama in the driving seat for research activity and usable outcomes Deciding the agreed Yr 2020 35 year watershed Recording the immediate past The zone reports ...... 24
This report draws from engagements in 2014 with Aboriginal Peoples of the rainforest region of Far North Queensland. It follows and builds on the previous 2013 report to Terrain and makes reference to that report to elaborate issues. The title of that report is:
The Wet Tropics Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Consultation – Cultural and Natural Resource Management 2013 Final Report
Two complementary processes were completed in 2014: • The November 2014 on-ground engagement with Rainforest Aboriginal peoples (RAP) across the 20 tribal groups, • The December 2014 Booran Gathering of the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples.
Rainforest Aboriginal peoples (RAP) continue the tradition since the early 1990s of coming together to meet up with each other across the on-ground groups, to share what’s happening, to hear about new developments and to talk about what needs to be happening by us and by other parties for our traditional estate country, our culture and our people.
Since the Aboriginal Rainforest Council had to close its doors in early 2008, the Rainforest Aboriginal people north to south committed to assisting Bama to continue coming together every couple of years. The people at the 2010 Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ Summit affirmed a regional collaboration to take up the reins from the historical evolution of the Rainforest Aboriginal Network (RAN), Bama Wabu, the Aboriginal Negotiating Team (ANT) and the Aboriginal Rainforest Council (ARC). The representatives at the 2012 Summit agreed the 5+3 Agenda way forward, conceptualised as
1. Culture and Heritage 2. Land and Protected Area Management 3. Waters 4. Planning 5. Economic Development
and 3 enablers 1. Traditional Owner Participation 2. Knowledge Management, and 3. Coordinated investment Partnerships
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 6 The 2014 Booran gathering summit was preceded by on-ground engagement in the form of extensive semi-structured discussions being recorded across the Wet Tropics region by a team of four 'RAPorters'. Questions ranged over a wide number of issues around Traditional Owners’ (TOs) engagement with Cultural and Natural Resource Management (CNRM) in this region. The discussions were all conducted face-to-face – either individually or in small groups, and in one case, a larger group session of over twenty people. The topics were not intended to be prescriptive and TOs could respond and raise issues freely as they felt appropriate.
The engagements were documented and this report is a summary and collation of those collective ideas along with some discussion of each that attempts to draw issues together in their wider context of quadruple bottom line development for Indigenous People of the region. Thus the focus area for CNRM of environmental development needs to be also seen in its fuller economic, social and cultural development dimensions.
The summit wash held at the end of the RAPorters' on-ground engagement process, at Holloways Beach to bring RAP together to meet and hear from other CNRM stakeholders, discuss key matters and to seek a mandate or agreement to take things forward.
This was named the 'Booran' Gathering and it followed a year after the Warrama Summit that was held in 2013 and reported on in the document, "Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples' Warrama Celebration" focussing through the lens of cultural development. This report can also be referred to.
The scope of engagement of the 2014 process is summarised in this report. It is clear that while being extensive, it cannot be claimed that all RAP voices were included. Difficulties were encountered that were already evident from summit meetings since 2010, previous engagement and the 2013 engagement conducted as a surveying process. There are still many divisions among RAP and these divisions have not been helped by the apparent failure to significantly progress the goals and aspirations already identified over ten years ago in the Wet Tropics Aboriginal NRM Plan, known widely as ‘the Bama Plan’ (2005) and particularly with the Regional Agreement (2005). Attempts to re-engage cooperation and collaboration encounter active and passive resistance as well as active interest. Some talk to and work with some Bama and agencies, and not to and with others.
Thus the matrix approach for engaging TOs is useful. While the project followed RAPA principle about empowering and engaging RAP to deliver RAP products, indeed, it’s taken partnership involving both Traditional Owner together with mainstream persons across the project’s planning, implementation, analysis, reporting and follow up phases. Both principles are on the right track, it’s just the implementation that needs keeping an eye on and smoothing as needed!
This report is supplemented in the appendix with further submissions that attempt to identify RAP responses in the ten forum zones that Terrain proposed for stakeholder consultation in re- development of the region’s NRM Plan. These submissions are in the form of ten 'Terrain Zone Locality Reports'. The word 'attempt' is used because it is not possible to neatly match these ten geographic zones with tribal areas or established native title claims. In fact some zones involve overlapping and rival interests from RAP. Each zone report contains some but not all viewpoints across the Wet Tropics’ 20,000 tribal group members, leadership and 80 legal entities and some areas have more input that others. The Rainforest Aboriginal People's Alliance (involving the north, central and south quorum and core leadership group across the region) was not informed of these upcoming zone structural approaches before the 2014 processes were started where data collection could have been made more appropriate for that purpose. At the time it was regarded as appropriate inquire the data in term of three hubs: north, central and south across the wet tropics region.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 7 The core themes of the RAP 2014-15 project are about DIRECTIONS and PARTNERSHIPS for the way forward 2015 to 2020: 1 What’s happening in Wet Tropics localities for the agreed outstanding Aboriginal cultural values
2 Managing the Wet Tropics region for the agreed outstanding Aboriginal cultural values
3 Sustainable livelihoods and economic development from valuing the Wet Tropics Aboriginal cultural values
4 Relisting the Wet Tropics for Aboriginal cultural values on the World Heritage Listing
5 Bama-led priorities for 2015-2020 research in the Wet Tropics
6 Reviewing the Bama Plan (Wet Tropics Aboriginal NRM Plan) achievements and RAP inputs for the new regional Wet Tropics NRM Plan incorporating a regional Aboriginal CNRM plan NRM, organised as 5+3 Agenda
7 The how-to of RAP and mainstream empowerment based regional and on-ground engagement structures and partnership practice to progress on-ground and regional achievements, including RAP leadership and governance capacity development
8 Deciding the where-to-from-here Project 2020 5+3 Agenda directions and implementation strategy and the agreed 2020 35 year watershed. Where do we want to be by 2020? What are all the whats that need doing for that? How do the partnerships work?
The outcomes of the 2014 engagement process • Provide our stakeholders with an understanding of Bama values, directions and needs within the Wet Tropics Region. • Guide policy development and implementation at local, State and Commonwealth levels. • Support funding submissions and other activities arising from this initiative.
In summary, a complex picture emerges, particularly so in the central section of the region where there are a number of competing interests and unresolved Native Title issues. It is significant regional development challenge to achieve shared sense of common cause in the Central Hub area encompassing the Atherton Tablelands and coastal area across the 9 tribal groups / 14 identity groups and the 50 plus legal entities. There has been stronger harmony in the northern and southern Hub areas reflected in the developing operations of Jabalbina Yalanji and Girringun Aboriginal Corporations as sub-regional bodies actively supported by partners and also partly because of longer history, group Elder leadership and originally singular governance structures.
Despite these complexities, the important issues and concerns for RAP are remarkably consistent over time in all localities and hubs, north, central and south and across the 20 RAP tribal groups.
What is not evident is a clear indication of progress that these concerns are being taken seriously with proper strategic programs and actions. These are issues as seen from grass-roots level for Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 8 Input from on-ground engagement
A total of one hundred and sixty people were engaged on-ground, resulting in one hundred and twenty-four records of topics, presented as ‘lines of inquiry’. The quality of response varies widely in terms of strength of engagement with the lines of inquiry. The responses come from TOs at all levels from grassroots members to Corporation board directors and Elders. (It was originally intended to engage specifically across the 80 legal entities within the Hub areas; doing so in the future will prove valuable cross-referral building on the previous 2012 and this 2014 on-ground engagement reports.)
The first set of ‘lines of inquiry’ in the on-ground engagement looked at TO aspirations across the 5+3 RAP strategic agenda and assistance needed to achieve them. The first set of lines of inquiry deals with the visions, values and priorities of RAP under the five identified themes from the RAP 5+3 regional strategic agenda which can be short-hand summarised as:
1. Culture and Heritage 2. Lands 3. Waters 4. Planning 5. Economic Outcomes.
The second set (7-11) inquired about knowledge, priorities and involvement with the (mainstream) Wet Tropics country NRM Plan and the 2005 Bama Plan, the all important cultural values agenda, and the equally important roles and relationships across stakeholder parties. There is particular focus in lines of inquiry 7 to 11 on the Bama Plan (2005) and the community based regional NRM Plan currently under development (which helps determine goals and priorities across the Wet Tropics) and then the 'Cultural Values' status across the Wet Tropics. This gives extra scope for feedback on RAP engagement with mainstream stakeholders from local to international levels across government, industry, community and the wider public. The latter roles and responsibilities’ engagement lines of inquiry enhance attention to the three 'Enablers' identified through the RAP 5+3 regional strategic agenda, which can be summarised as:
a. Participation of Traditional Owners b. Knowledge Management c. Partnerships and Coordinated Investment.
The third set (12-15) looked at Bama attitude and interaction with non-Indigenous stakeholder groups in the region. They inquired about • Current and future partnerships in place and or identified • How partnerships should be working • Partnerships that work well and that have not worked (ie enablers and barriers) • Support solutions at local, hub sub-regional, regional, state and national, and international levels. This approach allows the report to also discuss that which are being seen as barriers to development and possible solutions that are being seen as progressive.
A total of one hundred and sixty (160) people have been engaged from which were received one hundred and twenty-four (124) record of engagement returns.
The quality of records of engagement was variable with some assessed as poor by their incompleteness and cursory answers. This was, as noted by the RAPorters, the outcome of difficulties they encountered by the timing and processes of interview that tended to be used. The three sets of substantial inquiry and the process utilised by the on-ground facilitators translated as length of questionnaire and short notice time and were seen by some participants as making the process too onerous. Towards the last sections of the record template, responses are more cursory or omitted.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 9
As already mentioned, many TOs are quite 'fed-up' with repeatedly being asked for their input into (C)NRM matters when it is apparent to them that little progress is being made on the ground. In some areas, particularly in the central sector, some groups are not willing to act collectively and are seeking to advance their on-ground achievements independently. This presented difficulties in some instances for the RAPorters. This will also be reflected in the comments regarding governance and difficulties of finding strong representation at the local, sub-regional and regional levels.
The RAPorters were not able to engage with as many people as they would have liked. It was planned the RAPorters would achieve 250 records. RAPorters had been asked to particularly engage with the leadership across the 80 legal entities, however after a significant lag it was agreed to include focus on engaging with individuals. There were about 160 responses and mostly from females. Going to events where RAPorters knew people would be proved useful, for instance, in the south the AllBlacks Football Carnival provided good opportunity. Younger people in the south were enthusiastic.
It is clear across the 124 records that some discussion fatigue had set in. The comparative brevity of answers and a high incidence of "No Comment" from responders is evidence to this effect. There was also apparent an element of frustration with the on-ground engagement process itself because of the perceived lack in progress in local terms of significant achievements for RAP on-ground or regionally in environmental engagement over the years.
The lines of inquiry developed with regard to RAP concerns about consultation were still considered complicated, despite the engagement being asked to be conducted as ‘lines of inquiry’ conversations and not as interviews or surveys. In some cases, Aboriginal views about consultation and data control or about what’s regarded as “politics”, resulted in non-participation.
RAPorters noted needs for better governance and leadership in Traditional Owner organisations, and communication within and by Traditional Owner organisations, summarising these as “management, leadership and engagement”.
RAPorters noted that positive relationship building in the central area in particular would help ensure that future directions needing to be addressed at regional level are better supported.
From across their knowledge about the on-ground engagement responses, RAPorters endorsed a biannual gathering with ‘step by step approach’ in the lead up, to involve good communications across and within RAP organisations, good leadership and governance across and within those organisations, and good management of the engagement process including with youth and Elders.
RAPORTER comments about important themes emerging in the process they noted were:” • The importance of passing on culture, language and knowledge to their children. • Education in local schools - comments included: • The need for initiatives in schools to learn differently – to learn the Bama way instead of the white man way. • Learning Indigenous language instead of Chinese etc. • NRM is part of life and the cultural landscape. Do not try to separate the things that are together. NRM is not separate. ‘Cultural landscape’ is all inclusive. • We don’t want to talk we want to do. Enough talk let’s do something. • Translating plans into actions and the lack of accountability. Plans are not seen as helpful in terms of getting things done. Plans need to be useful and actionable and accountable and monitored and relevant. Need better partnerships. Best partnerships are with other Traditional Owners. Always/often made to feel like an inferior partner to other non TO groups. Feel used and exploited. Sharing knowledge means losing control of that knowledge and is disempowering for Traditional Owners.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 10 • Partnerships need to be at the right level. TOs often have good relationships with local people on the ground (the government employee who actually works in the area) but lack relationship with their supervisor and manager and the more senior bureaucrats. • The impression of Terrain’s recent restructure needs talking on-ground. • We want to make money. • We want to do things you are already doing – such as managing National Parks. Instead of National Parks staff – why can’t the Traditional Owners be employed or contracted (and paid) to do the job.
** Refer also to The Wet Tropics Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Consultation about Cultural and Natural Resource Management (CNRM) 2013 Final Report pages 52-53 regarding RAP engagement with stakeholder groups
Geographic distribution
Hub Area North Central South Total
Number 40 72 48 160
The roles of the people engaged were not necessarily those of formal and authorised representatives of each tribal or identity group but rather represent the voices of "grass roots" RAP across the region.
Organisational roles
Role Elders Chairpersons (not counted in Directors (incl 2 Executive Workers Named Directors) Committee) Number 14 4 32 2
Role Volunteers Members Non- Not Stated Total Named Members Number 1 52 32 23 160
Incorporated Traditional Owner CNRM-related entities Thirty-three individual organisations are identified and contributed in the on-ground engagement, out of over eighty that are presently registered across the region. This result is more to do with the engagement timetabling and monitoring of contract delivery than it is decisive non-participation on the part of the legal entities.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 11 Tribal group identification Rainforest Aboriginal peoples incorporate 24 identity groups. Some of these are recognised clan groups of single language groups that identify separately and may have incorporated bodies. Note that personal identification is often a formulation of locality group / clan base, and is not exactly the same names or concepts of the parties recognised through the native title regime and / or through a cultural linguistics framework (there are 7-9 language family groups across Rainforest Aboriginal country). Hence the use of an “identity group” general terminology. As seen in the following table, the representation is not even. People’s primary and secondary identity groups as named are recorded. Three people named more than two identity groups.
Tribal Not stated Djabugay Djiru Girramay Gugu-Badhun Identity Number 1 23 3 11 1
Gulnay Gunggandji Jirrbal Mamu Mbabaram 2 17 10 5 2
Muluridji Ngadjon Jii Nywaigi Warrgamay Warungu 7 4 1 16 2
Wulgurukaba Yalanji Yalanji Sunrise Yalanji Sunset Yidinji (Eastern) (Western) 4 2 33 13 10
Yidinji Wanyurr Yidinji Gimuy Yidinji Yidinji Yirriganydji Majay Walubarra Gulgiburra Mandingalbay 1 7 1 1 3
Also noted are the localities of the Rainforest country tribal identity groups within Hub areas:
In the North: Sunrise and Sunset Yalanji (the party taking quorum responsibility for decision making input to regional matters in this area is Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation) In the Centre: Djabugay, Gunggandji, Jirrbal, Mamu, Mbabaram, Muluridji, Ngadjon Jii, Yirriganydji and Yidinji which involves Malanbarra Dulabed, Gimuy Walubarra, Mandingalbay, Wadjanbarra and Wanyurr Majay Yidinji (the party taking quorum responsibility for decision making input to regional matters in this area is CWTICCAC Central Wet Tropics Institute for Culture & Country Aboriginal Corporation) In the South: Djiru, Girramay, Gugu-Badhun, Gulnay, Jirrbal, Nywaigi, Warrgamay, Warungu and Wulgurukaba (the party taking quorum responsibility for decision making input to regional matters in this area is Girringun Aboriginal Corporation) Working together, the three organisations Jabalbina, CWTICCAC and Girringun take on responsibility of the RAP north + central + south quorum known as RAPA, the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples' Alliance.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 12 Feedback related to the perceived roles of the legal entities across local, hub, regional, state and national levels is also included in the report analysis.
The on-ground semi-structured lines of inquiry included: Their people’s aspirations or hopes for 5 Business Themes their RAP country, their RAP culture and 1. Promoting and protecting RAP Culture and their RAP kin, covering the RAP 5+3 Heritage framework 2. Managing and protecting RAP Country 3. Managing RAP Waters 4. Planning and acting now and for RAP futures 5. Benefitting Economically 3 Enablers a. TO Participation by RAP Bama b. Managing knowledges about RAP country, culture and kin now and into the future c. Coordinated Investment Partnerships Other aspirations
The assistance and support seen as needed • Local support (individuals; family, -warrra and -barra to achieve these aspirations eg. good locality groups; native title holder groups) governance, resources (funding, • Hub sub-region support (north, central, south) infrastructure, information, equipment, • Regional support (networks like RAP) workers etc.), more networking – getting • State and National support ideas from others • International support
Knowledge, use and achievements of the Priorities and involvement regarding development and current NRM Plan and the Bama Plan eg. implementation of the new NRM Plan eg. What and how, at use may include for TOs managing pests which levels (family, clan, subregional, regional etc), access and weeds, lands and waterways, water to the internet to be able to source the new NRM Plan, quality, plant and animal conservation, resources to implement, making use of it etc. soils, industry, academic studies, Why these issues/priorities are important, and how these livelihoods, climate change, liaising with issues/priorities can be taken forward with the NRM Plan other land managers locally and regionally, ensuring Aboriginal cultural and natural resource management of the region
Aspirations, needs and actions required for a. What’s happening locally for the cultural values eg. the management of cultural values within practices, management, passing on the WTWHA b. Bama managing the Indigenous cultural values Wet Knows about the Indigenous Cultural Tropics region at local, Hub and regional levels, Values (Wet Tropics World Heritage c. and with mainstream partners eg. WTMA Area) being added to the National d. Bama benefitting economically from the cultural values Heritage list in November 2012 (with listing and RAP country the Minister’s signing at Tjapukai)? e. What’s needed for progressing the next step, the World Understands that this triggers a Heritage Listing for cultural values National Heritage Re- Listing Understands there needs to be a proposal and plan Aboriginal Values Action Plan for the developed for World Heritage Re-Listing by the Australian Wet Tropics that Bama will lead, and Government that Bama will lead, and views about this views about this
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 13
The best sense of roles, relationships and RAP and TO Parties responsibilities of Rainforest Aboriginal a. RAP native title holder and/or identity groups peoples as individuals, family groups, - b. Hub sub-regional structures a) Girringun. b) Central Wet warra and -barra locality groups, native Tropics and c) Yalanji Sunrise and Sunset together title holder groups, other RAP identity c. Regional structures eg. the RAP Core Leadership Group, groups, language family groups and NQLC nations with the mainstream networks d. RAP individuals, RAP family groups, –warra and –barra such as public, government, conservation groups group, industry / across local, hub, e. Cross regional eg. NQTOWLSMA, the North Qld TO regional, state, national and international Waters, Land and Seas Management Alliance with levels in achieving these aspirations? Northern Gulf and Burdekin TO groups f. State structures eg. the Queensland Traditional Owner Network QTON g. National structures eg. the Environment Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Committee chaired by RAP TO Melissa George, and the Australian World Heritage Indigenous Network AHWIN in which RAP are represented h. International TO structure eg. the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Peoples Mainstream a. Wet Tropics residents and the public b. Conservation, cultural and natural resource management NGOs eg. Terrain NRM, Landcare groups etc c. Local and regional business and industry d. Local and regional schools, TAFE and Uni education systems e. Academics and researchers eg. The Cairns Institute, JCU, CSIRO, Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, Australian Institute of Marine Science, State Library, AIATSIS f. Government – local, state and federal eg. Regional and Shire Councils, WTMA, GBRMPA, DATSIMA, PM&C g. National and international groups eg. WWF, ACF, IUCN
The current and future partnerships in How they would like to see current/future partnerships place and/or identified working, things that have worked well (the enablers/ success stories) and things that have not worked well (the barriers/issues) eg. governance, access to resources, planning.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 14 Input from the Booran gathering
Booran Summit Gathering Holloway’s Beach Environmental Education Centre – Yirrganydji country Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 11th to 13th December 2014
('Booran' ‘the ground were they hold corroboree’ – Southern Wet Tropics’ language)
RAP participation The timing for end of year gatherings is precarious due to end of school year and the end of year Annual General Meeting governance obligations for Traditional Owner entities. Another regional organisation also held an end of year workshop. Originally the Booran Gathering was scheduled for October, but this had to be postponed due to clashing with an NTRB (North Queensland Land Council) event. The organisers were not able to conjoin those events requiring Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ participation. This is not uncommon for Traditional Owners, with many calls on their physical and time resource. As well, more preparation time was needed for RAPorters to gather the on-ground information and subsequently for the writing team to be able to analyse and present summary papers for the Gathering participants. However contract and scheduling commitments meant an end of year gathering had to proceed. As well, a last minute bus transportation issue substantially impacted the numbers of southern participation. The Girringun Aboriginal Corporation and its affiliated Traditional Owner groups submitted the welcome message that they are “still very much committed to the ideals, aspiration and vision of the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Alliance. Unfortunately representatives of some our groups and Girringun itself are unable to attend this particular gathering. This in no way reflects the lack of interest by Girringun in those ideals.” The response to registration was sixty-eight (68) participants of whom thirty-four (34) Traditional Owners attended over the three days.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 15 The agenda Over the years we have had many meetings with Rainforest Aboriginal people and our multiple and diverse partners and stakeholders to discuss business involving our people over a number of areas now and into the future. After declaration of the wet tropics region as World Heritage Area in 1998, there has been a regional Wet Tropics Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ network in place since the early 1990s. Initially this was RAN, the Rainforest Aboriginal Network, • then Bamu Wabu which examined and published about Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ involvement in managing the wet tropics,
• then the ANT Aboriginal Negotiating Team and a research program funded engagement which resulted in the Regional Agreement and Bama Plan,
• then the Aboriginal Rainforest Council. ARC, which closed doors in early 2008,
• followed by a focus leadership group of RAP persons across the region drawn together through WTMA, the Wet Tropics Management Authority. This focus group set direction that any new regional body would not be incorporated, choosing instead that energy be directed to supporting the collective regional network rather than a formalised structure.
The September 2009 Innisfail meeting facilitated through Girringun Aboriginal Corporation and the (MTSRF) research agenda endorsed the NQTOWLSMA concept – a three way alliance across North Queensland Traditional Owner regional structures involving the Burdekin Dry Tropics Traditional Owner Management Group TOMG, the Northern Gulf Indigenous Savannah Group NGISG now ANGIC (the Association of Northern Gulf Indigenous Corporations) and Rainforest Aboriginal peoples. Delegates from the 2009 meeting recognised need to build the RAP network and the subsequent Yungaburra meeting of the members of the Aboriginal advisory groups to Terrain NRM and WTMA and some other RAP persons decided to amalgamate and form one Traditional Owner-led regional network. In March 2010, WTMA Board and the Terrain NRM agreed to support the Traditional Owner–led initiative of a regional Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ network across the 20 tribal groups’ key organisations and identities, various of whom are supported to input Traditional Owner views into mainstream CNRM, development and research structures at regional, state, national and even international levels. The 2010 NAIDOC Week Summit of Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples gave mandate for the regional Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ network, a north + central + south Quorum, and an open ended Core Leadership Group from across the 20 tribal groups. The 2010 and 2012 Summits and the 2013 Warrama for Cultural Values included ongoing Traditional Owner review of the workings of the Bama Plan and the Regional Agreement, and have given direction to the RAP working agenda which has been articulated in our Culture, Country and Kin concept and our 5 + 3 Agenda.
The 2014 Booran summit gathering was about
1 What TO groups can gain from the 2012 national relisting of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area for its cultural values,
2 TO groups and the new regional NRM Plan from Terrain, and
3 Where to from here for 2015 to 2020?
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 16 The matters considered and key messages at the 2014 Booran Gathering were:
a) Managing our Wet Tropics Aboriginal Cultural Values (i.e. the management, earning a living abilities, and world heritage listing action arising from the National Relisting of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area)
b) Ensuring Bama Plan values as the underlay for the new NRM Plan for the Wet Tropics region
c) Putting Bama in the driving seat for research activity and usable outcomes
d) Pathways forward – Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Wet Tropics Regional 5 +3 Agenda
e) Empowering local autonomous TO groups and strategic regional collaboration/s. Responses and content of these sessions are added into this sectional report and the discussion of issues around the main themes.
Current regional RAP initiatives and commitments It is useful to recap here the introductory and summary sessions from the Booran gathering, about the overview as at present and the where-to-from-here questions.
• Participants noted this initiative is being implemented by the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Alliance, building on more than 25 years of work. Some of that work was previously presented as the Bama Plan and Regional Agreement in 2005.
• It’s coming up to 10 years on since 2005, and over 30 years since the listing of the WTWHA.
• Rainforest Aboriginal People have a number of commitments with various stakeholders to fulfil partnership agreements to help our people progress priority areas we have for our traditional homelands. Current initiatives and commitments include:
Current regional Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ initiatives and commitments
1. Writing up the RAP 2010 and 2012 Summits outcomes as the 5+3 Agenda Directions Statements and Investment Strategy (RAP initiative)
2. Following through on the RAP Leadership Development Program (RAP initiative) and RAP operations, funded through the support of WTMA and Terrain NRM
3. Delivering on the IHP-funded “Which way Australia’s Bama Culture?” Project and maximising outcomes (partners are RAP, The Cairns Institute and CSIRO) and 2013 Warrama forum
4. Executing the Terrain NRM-funded Review of the Bama Plan and input to the regional NRM Plan (partners are RAP and Terrain NRM)
5. Promoting the Traditional Owner Knowledge Transfer project of the National Environmental Research Programme (NERP) Tropical Ecosystems Hub (RAP initiative with The Cairns Institute, supported through the Reef and Rainforest Research Centre)
The RAP Quorum decided to conjoin the number of commitments with various stakeholders to fulfil funding agreements, as well as the need to progress priority areas to enhance the capacity of Rainforest Aboriginal people to meet our cultural, environmental, social and economic obligations and aspirations into the RAP 2014-15 Project. Review discussion in 2014 July’s RAP Core Leadership
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 17 Group meeting about how to meet the existing commitments and requirements started around clarifying the work required of the proposed 4 on-ground RAP workers being contracted under the cultural values project, complemented by the research and Bama /NRM Plan projects. Concern was raised about how to minimise the risk of not getting Bama to the forums required by those projects. One need is how to maximise participation and impact from bringing Bama and parties together. Decision was made to combine everything into one project team working to support on-ground engagement and this summit gathering.
Pathways forward – Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Wet Tropics regional 5 +3 agenda • The 2014 RAPORTer work checked back on-ground to confirm the best pathways to achieve Bama aspirations for kin, culture and country.
• The 5+3 Regional Agenda is based on Traditional Owners’ review of the Bama Plan and Regional Agreement at the 2010 and 2012 RAP summits, and opportunities to take the Plan’s and the Agreement’s many actions forward.
• The 5+3 Regional Agenda outlines 5 priority agenda areas and 3 enablers, this are recorded in the Directions Statements, which can be referred to. Each Direction Statement identifies short and longer term pathways, and there is an overall stakeholder investment plan.
1. Promoting and Protecting our Culture and Heritage 2. Managing and Protecting Our Country a. Participation by our Traditional Owners 3. Managing our Waters b. Managing our knowledge now and into the future 4. Planning now and for our futures c. Coordinated Investment Partnerships. 5. Benefitting Economically
Empowering local autonomous TO groups and strategic regional collaborations • RAP comprise 20,000 individuals, over 600 family groups, 120 -warra and -barra locality groups, 24 identity groups within 20 tribes and 7-9 language family groups. There’s 80 legal entities. That’s a lot of leadership with 400+ directors of boards, and a lot of governance, management and engagement.
• The current regional work is about investigating support for the how-to of RAP and mainstream empowerment based practice.
• On-ground achievement sometimes requires regional, state, national and international action. What does this look like for 2015 – 2020?
Managing our Wet Tropics Aboriginal cultural values • After Bama Wabu recommended it in ‘Which Way Our Cultural Survival’ (1998), and after the Aboriginal Rainforest Council and partners did the paper work in 2007, Bama were successful in having the Wet Tropics Region World Heritage Area inscribed on the National Heritage Listing, signed at Tjapukai in 2012. What do Bama want to happen now?
o Managing the region o On-ground what’s happening o Valuing the values o World Heritage Listing.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 18 Ensuring Bama underlay for the new (C)NRM Plan for the Wet Tropics region • To progress Cultural and Natural Resource Management aspirations Rainforest Aboriginal People developed the Wet Tropics Regional Agreement and the Aboriginal NRM plan (Bama Plan).
• These were signed off on amongst RAP and with partners in 2005. They clearly set out the management aspirations our people had at that time for country, culture and kin.
• The 5 + 3 Agenda was set from the RAP 2010 and 2012 Summits in which Traditional Owners reviewed the Bama Plan and Regional Agreements and the opportunities for their implementation.
• Terrain has taken up Bama request to review Terrain’s 16 of the 34 strategies of the Bama Plan because the current revision of the regional NRM Plan is in progress.
• The opportunity for Bama input to be the central layer of the NRM Plan has a 2014 end of year deadline.
Putting Bama in the driving seat for research activity and usable outcomes • Across the 24 RAP groups, 18 RNTBCs plus 15 Land Trusts and 50 other CNRM legal entities means lots of RAP are implementing plans and projects, and, managing country and culture.
• For more than 20 years many stakeholders and institutions have studied and recorded RAP views and knowledge (Rainforest CRC 1993, MTSRF 2006, NERP 2011, WTMA, and Universities).
• The opportunity now is for RAP to take the driving seat to put our Bama research agenda up front and being able to access already published research.
Deciding the agreed Yr 2020 35 year watershed • RAP aspirations have been consistent for nearly thirty years. There has to be a watershed somewhere, and sooner rather than later. The Year 2020 marks 35 years since the mid 1980s, when considerations were in play about the Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ country being agreed as a World Heritage Area, which did happen with the inscription of the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area in 1988.
• Deciding the agreed 2020 35 year watershed is about agreeing the directions, priorities and strategies forward from the 2010, 2012 and 2014 regional Summit gatherings of Rainforest Aboriginal peoples. These Summits agreed the local emphases, sub-regional and regional support structures and partnerships, and the regional strategic 5+3 agenda.
Pathways Forward – Regional 5 + 3 Agenda
1. WHERE HAVE WE COME FROM?
2. OVERVIEW OF 5 + 3 REGIONAL AGENDA.
3. THE DIRECTIONS STATEMENTS.
4. BAMA WET TROPICS RESEARCH PRIORITIES
2015-2020
5. IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS AND MOBILISERS
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 19 • The plan pulling together everything from the past and present, and taking forward matters for the future to the Year 2020 involves three implementation actions and mobilisers, and are translated into 3 strategies for consideration:
A. Knowledge sharing for Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ culture and knowledge B. Strong country, livelihoods and culture C. Human and social capital: participation, leadership, governance
Strategy 1. Knowledge Centre Network and how to manage it – capacity, unity, partnerships/collaboration
Strategy 2. Stronger organisations – 5+3 Agenda to implement the frameworks, RAP priorities provide the guiding frameworks
Strategy 3. Jobs and Business – signficant funding, and Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ 2015- 2020 Research plan guiding plan to get people engaged in leading and directing research conducted in or impacting on rainforest country and Rainforest Aboriginal people.
For Rainforest Aboriginal People (RAP) to uphold their cultural obligations and responsibilities for their traditional homelands and sustainably progress the livelihoods of their people, a clear, inclusive, empowering and sustainably resourced strategy is required.
While RAP have achieved more than 80% title over their traditional homelands in Rainforest country, the management and participation in the mainstream economy is challenged by existing management structures and the capacity of Rainforest Aboriginal peoples to participate in the management and progression of their traditional homelands within the Wet Tropic World Heritage Region.
Current and future management and development of Rainforest country must deliver where possible culturally appropriate and properly-resourced environmental and cultural outcomes for RAP’s land and people. Rainforest Bama must be appropriately equipped to exercise leadership and fulfil the cultural and political responsibilities required to effectively manage the Wet Tropics region including delivering on management responsibilities of RAP’s traditional homelands.
As part of this, RAP believe economic engagement is central to individual and social wellbeing.
For more than 20 years, RAP have a strong track record of partnering with governments, corporates and philanthropists to encourage the management and progression of Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ culture, lands, groups and the broader Australian and global world.
To the table RAP bring a long history of partnerships, established with individuals, families, communities and external organisations to enable RAP to have lives of value, cultural responsibility and prosperity. These partnerships provide the foundations for RAP to strengthen the development and management of RAP’s country within the Wet Tropics region.
Building on RAP’s strategies over to past 20 years, the 5 + 3 Strategic Agenda provides the framework for RAP to participate in the management and future development of the Wet Tropics region.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 20 Collaboratively developed by RAP, the Strategic Agenda clearly identifies RAP’s values, current activities, achievements and future directions in line with the priorities and interests other private sector, community and government stakeholders.
After careful review of the 5 + 3 Strategic Agenda, a practical strategy has been developed to provide a more holistic and effective means for RAP to implement the key priorities and outcomes of the 5 + 3 Directions Statements (available separately) and recent summits. The Strategy is known as Strategy 2020 and provides a 3 + 1 strategy for effective implementation by all partners of the Wet Tropics Region over a 5 year timeframe.
This Strategy 2020: 3+1 is written up in the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Towards the Year 2020: 2015 to 2019 Operational Plan for Sustainable Bama Livelihoods through Kin, Country and Culture, available separately.
Strategy 2020’s implementation across the region looks like the next diagram:
Existing On-ground Existing Bama Contracting Bama Ranger Work Team Ranger team in in the Wet team in the Wet Tropics the Wet Tropics central Tropics north south
Demand & Bama Bama Demand & Supply Leadership Research Supply Partnership Strengthening Knowledge Partnership Coordination Program Management Coordination northern Bank southern
Program Management with RAP self selecting Core Leadership Group and the north + central + south RAP Quorum Bodies and with core partners Terrain Natural Resource Management (NRM), the Wet Tropics Management Authority (WTMA), Regional Development Australia Far North Queensland and Torres Strait (RDA FNQ&TS), CSIRO, James Cook University facilitated through The Cairns Institute (TCI), and other partners and stakeholders across Government, conservation, community and industry
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 21 The Strategy itself is best conceptualised as 3+1 programming ie.
Implementing
1. RAP knowledge network 2. Stronger RAP organisations 3. Jobs and businesses
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 22 Recording the immediate past During the opening session of Booran discussions progressed around the group about about the posters and wall hangings as well as a description of the Shield that is used by Rainforest Aboriginal people.
Yidinji Elder Paul Turpin and NgadjonJii / Mamu Elder Ernie Raymont described what it was like before World Heritage area was put in place and “the early days” of the late 1980s and early 90s period when Rainforest Aboriginal people were starting to come together across the region because of the Listing. Paul Turpin was part of a delegation of Bama who protested to UNESCO along with Eric Deeral from Hopevale. Frankie Deemal and Hilton Noble were also involved around at that historical time for Rainforest Aboriginal people and there was a long discussion around what it was like then. This interest emerged again on the second day when there was some significant discussion around the importance of outlining and profiling the history of the RAP struggle for recognition in the protection and management of the world heritage area.
There was general support for the concept of making this history clear for the record and for potential use in any future negotiations about the future of Indigenous led management of the region. One significant issue discussed in more detail was the original role of Cape York Land Council in championing this process in the early years. The current role of Land Councils in supporting the strengthening of PBCs was also discussed.
Action: An oral history Interview needs to be done with some of these participants in the near future to preserve that history. Oral histories with the first Indigenous rangers in the region should be recorded to keep building the momentum, keeping the story alive and ensuring an on-going record of change. Some of this early day records should be available from the Wet Tropics Management Authority.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 23 The zone reports
The following table makes a considered attempt to allocate Traditional Owner groups into Terrain’s ten nominated zones starting in the north and working to the south. These are from the survey group only and further designations are appropriate. The locality reports are available at Appendix One.
ZONE AREA TRIBAL IDENTITIES Zone 1 Daintree – Wujal Wujal Yalanji Eastern
Zone 2 Douglas – Mosman Gorge Yalanji Eastern
Zone 3 – Greater Cairns Area – Cairns / Djabugay Kuranda / Yarrabah Djabugay Bulwai Gunggandji Gunggandji Gurabana Yidinji Gulgiburra Yidinyi Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Dulabed Yidinji Wanyurr Majay Yirriganydji
Zone 4 – Mareeba Mbarbaram Yalanji Western / Sunset Muluridji Djabugay Djabugay Bulwai
Zone 5 – Russell Mulgrave Rivers / Yidinji Gordonvale Yidinji Gulgiburra Yidinyi Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Dulabed Yidinji Wanyurr Majay Gunggandji Gunggandji Gurabana
Zone 6 – Southern Tablelands – Atherton / Ngadjon Jii Ravenshoe Jirrbal
Zone 7 – Lower Johnstone / Innisfail Mamu
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 24 Zone 8 – Upper Herbert – Mt Garnet Mbarbaram Warungu
Zone 9 – Tully / Cardwell Djiru Girramay Gulnay Zone 10 – Hinchinbrook / Ingham Nywaigi Warungu Warrgamay Wulgurukaba
For comparison the Shield designed for use by the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples' Alliance is placed here alongside Terrain’s Zone areas. It is appreciated that Terrain must manage affairs between many stakeholders. For each of these ten Terrain Zones we can offer some specific input of local issues where they arise in the on-ground engagement. They cannot be regarded as being thorough or binding on the local Traditional Owners who may attend the planned forum events. In the situation of dialogue with other local stakeholders, specific issues will arise that may not have been relevant at the time of the 2014 on-ground engagement. These may be understood alongside the general analysis as presented in this report.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 25
National Native Title Tribunal – Map of Native Title claims around Cairns and the Atherton Tablelands ref: http://www.nntt.gov.au/Maps/QLD_Northern_NTDA_Schedule.pdf This map gives some instance of the extent of empowerment that the 'Native Title' Act has given to Rainforest Aboriginal peoples. It also clearly illustrates in so many cases the fragmentation of this entitlement and the difficulties this creates in formulating proper management strategies for managing natural and cultural resources and their broader community development agendas.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 26
A. FEEDBACK ABOUT RAINFOREST ABORIGINAL PEOPLES’ VISIONS, VALUES AND PRIORITIES
The visions, values and priorities are framed around the RAP 5+3 regional strategic agenda that clearly extends RAP engagement with NRM with broader economic, social and cultural goals.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 27
Theme 1. Promoting and protecting rainforest Aboriginal culture and heritage
Keeping culture strong through stories, language and keeping places Being on country as promoting culture Having access to country Protecting cultural sites Promoting strong governance and organisational representation for culture and heritage Ensuring culture and heritage maintenance and language teaching Cultural infrastructure and culture sharing Cultural learning – language maintenance Working with education Facilitating local Traditional Owner culture and heritage responsibilities Relisting the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area for its Aboriginal cultural values How things are now How TOs want things to be A summary of priorities
Input from the on-ground engagement Aboriginal Culture is integrated with country and particularly those lands and waterways that are identified as of special and sacred significance. Respect for 'country', preservation and maintaining cultural lore and practices, cultural teaching of the next generation – all these values are, in Bama eyes, vital for CNRM management. In this way TOs see themselves as the first conservationists and want to resume that role for the future. Culture and heritage for Bama takes precedence over science and economics. They can work in cooperation with research and economic projects but the driving force is culture. This is what they want recognised and respected because other motivations have historically proved themselves so inconsistent when it comes to preserving and elevating nature. Western scientific knowledge is generally typified as reductionist, dualistic and materialist. Indigenous knowledge is generally typified as holistic, non-dualistic and spiritual. The Bama vision about culture and heritage is obviously a holistic and spiritual vision that embraces environmental, social and economic dimensions.
Key matters raised and recorded, in order, are: • Protecting cultural sites • Visiting country to practise culture • Passing culture on to future generations • Preserving culture • Better access to country • Better communication between RAP • Cultural centre / storing place • Protecting and passing on language • Cultural activities in schools • Bama employed as rangers • Infrastructure • More business / employment • Managing vegetation • Live on country • Funding
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 28
angers mployment storing place
Culture & /
Heritage
employed as r
ass culture on to future anguage Protecting cultural sites Visit country to practise culture P generations Preservation of culture Better access to country Better communication between RAP Cultural centre Protecting and passing on l Cultural activities in schools Bama Infrastructure More business / e Managing vegetation Live on country Funding Number of times 44 42 34 26 22 21 19 15 9 9 7 6 5 4 1 topic is recorded
** Refer also to Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Consultation about Cultural and Natural Resource Management (CNRM) 2013 Final Report pages53-57and page 69 regarding Rainforest Aboriginal Cultural Heritage and the Cultural Values Relisting of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area Report of Oct 2012, revised May 2013 which includes Project 2020
Strategic issues
Two sets of key phrases used to express views are consistent across all groups: Keeping culture strong through stories, language and keeping places The key role here is for Elders and the meanings held in traditional stories and language are the keys to deeper understanding of why Traditional Owners, residents and visitors need the land to be in good shape. In the current historical situation there is strong recognition of the need for support through different means including recordings and research documentation, culture centres and keeping places, schools and sharing with others. Being on country as promoting culture This is the foundation. Being on the 'right' country, in the ‘right’ way. Sorting through the complexities of Native Title and having strong and effective organisational representation. On country is where lore, stories and language assume meaning. Life becomes more meaningful. Making this sustainable also means finding jobs and creating wealth through means that are seen as harmonious with cultural values. Having access to country This is a key enabler and also can be a major barrier. Native Title is opening up a big opportunity but its translation into something meaningful for Bama is still in transition. Having 'right' over traditional lands, accessing and moving back to country, and observing responsibilities to country are the most positive developments for many TOs. Access to some also means having the power to restrict access to others. Protecting cultural sites An extended network of protected sites can be seen as a vital platform for maintaining the integrity of the natural, cultural and spiritual environment.
The ways and means to achieve these developments are varied with different local circumstances. Strategically these are the issues that are being raised in current forums.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 29
Promoting strong governance and organisational representation for culture and heritage For most Rainforest Aboriginal people, their individual voice is most meaningful at the local level. Tribal identity recognition has been the focus for the creation and development of local organisations most usually under the Office of Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC). If these organisations have poor governance then members of that identity group lose their voice and position and power. If these organisations lack operational strength then they cannot effectively work in the system to achieve goals and benefits for their members. • Want to have excellent governance within the organisation and be well-equipped to plan and manage for long term benefits • Ongoing conflict between TOs and other groups impacts on people working together collaboratively to manage and maintain cultural values • The structure should start with the locals, need to be more proactive and given more capability • Networking amongst each other – transfer of skills and knowledge between strong organisations and not-so-strong organisations • Better relationship with other Traditional Owner groups • Looking after country / making native title holders group pull together • Not fighting working together / restore what we’ve got / work with what we’ve got • Upper Herbert are very thin in terms of numbers • Everyone should be supporting and assisting each other in all these groups, must have good relationships between one and another • Native Titleholders should be informed of all changes and when they are required to meet to discuss issues.
Ensuring culture and heritage maintenance and language teaching Cultural continuity for most Rainforest Aboriginal people has been severely impacted by colonisation. Where some individuals and families have better been able to hold to country and knowledge, they are highly valued. Elders are teachers and this most effectively happens on 'country'. The knowledge of Elders is wanted to be utilised by the whole group and so further means are sought. Most desirable is the employment of fellow TOs to be able to research, record and document cultural knowledge and make it more widely available. Outsiders can be employed so long as they are working under local direction and management. Another measure is for Elders and families taking youth and young people on-country. There were many calls for schools to take on teaching of environment, traditional knowledge, Aboriginal language and integrated local history. This may be seen as more viable in communities where Rainforest Aboriginal populations are concentrated but for the majority in the region, this is not the case, however such teachings can proceed. The actual task of introducing traditional knowledge, Indigenous language and local history in mainstream schools is problematic, despite educational policies and programs and some school level good intent. The issue of sharing local knowledge more widely follows progress and empowerment of local Rainforest Aboriginal people in taking up their own culture teaching in their communities. It is happening painfully slow and in some instances it is going backwards under current education regimes with national curriculum imposed and 'business model' management of schools. Rainforest Aboriginal people are strongly calling for local empowerment and in the broader understanding of NRM, this should be seen as important to support wider public education initiatives. Local languages and local histories start straight away to connect people – Traditional Owners and residents and visitors, with the landscape. These are powerful tools.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 30
Cultural infrastructure and culture sharing • Need a cultural centre – somewhere to do activities, arts and craftwork • Educate public that Bama live there and to respect their culture, cultural values and the ground on which they walk • Sharing knowledge • Operating Aboriginal tours teaching and showing visitors our country to give them a better understanding of our connection to bubu / Need to do cultural tours • Believes there needs to be a cultural venue to teach and pass on local cultural knowledge and awareness. Cultural learning – language maintenance • Need full on recording of stories, sites etc. Protect culture to ensure it is not lost – this includes language • Support local research to record and document elders • Share ideas with others, play a major role in ensuring language and culture is passed on • Involve Bama in anything that is to do with language and country • Preservation of RAP language, land and lifestyle • We need to preserve our elders’ ways and document them • Maintain culture: training young ones • Discussions are currently taking place to retrieve and record local language with elders • Preservation of language, sacred sites and animals: we live on country, so we practise it all the time • Keep language strong and not to be mixed up (pronunciation should be correct) • Language being lost, words are starting to get mixed up between groups too • Language to be passed on to young generation (5) • Need funding and other support for language retrieval • Family getting involved in learning language • Although there are some language books published, would like to see DVDs developed to ensure proper pronunciation of words; videoing of Elders would be ideal • Maintenance of Gunggandjj language – support local research to record and document elders • Djabugay language needs to be taught in writing; need to hear, talk and write. Working with education • Teachers need to understand the local culture to respect the Bama children • Teach cultural activities to children in schools • More language/music/cultural activities in school • Teach our history in these places; need to teach our language in school (8) • Teach our languages in schools (6) • Language needs to be incorporated into the school curriculum (4) • Language offered in the classroom (10) • Need a linguist to teach language.
** Refer also to the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Consultation about Cultural and Natural Resource Management (CNRM) 2013 Final Report pages 58-59 regarding Cultural Mapping
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 31
Facilitating local Traditional Owner culture and heritage responsibilities The line of inquiry that elicited the biggest response (97) was about "what is happening locally for the cultural values". It is at the local level that Bama on-ground feel related and are more confident in knowing what is going on. • People are going back to 'country' 10 • Stories from Elders are being passed on to children 23 • Affirmation that local cultural practices are being maintained 30
Supplementary to this were the issues of: • Need for funding for language and culture teaching 13 • "Access" to country 16
Restrictions of access to 'country' and loss of traditional language are 'blockers' for Bama and the common aspiration for maintaining Rainforest Aboriginal cultural connections and practices. Management by TOs is a matter of cultural practice. Successful practice of culture depends on access to traditional country, its sacred sites, hunting and story places. Much land has of course been alienated in the colonisation process but that which has been reclaimed in the Native Title process is held preciously. Further "access" may be negotiated with different landowners and the state but this depends on improving the status and respect for cultural values and people in mainstream society. Loss of language is also a serious inhibitor to understanding the depth of culture in different 'country'. Hence there is a persistent call for revival even though the particulars of a proper strategy have not been articulated. Even with limitations of language loss, the knowledge of Elders is held as the most valued resource held by Bama. Such knowledge is to be respected and guarded from exploitation. These items continued to be raised throughout the survey as 'enabling' and empowering activities. They are of a nature that can be readily observed and accountable for TOs at the local levels. More can be extrapolated about 'accountability' later in this report.
Relisting the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area for its Aboriginal cultural values Along with 19 particular places, our region of Australia is a world heritage area, listed because UNESCO has agreed these areas of country are worthy of special protection because they represent the best examples of the world's cultural and natural heritage. Terrain NRM describes1 the region as a place “of unsurpassed beauty and significant ecological diversity and is the only region to boast two contrasting World Heritage Areas side by side - the Wet Tropical rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef”. The region is a World Heritage Area because we have Australia’s greatest diversity of plants and animals. “The region’s natural resources combine to form ecosystems and landscapes that support both rural and urban lifestyles and livelihoods including a diversity of farming and grazing activities, such as cane and banana farming, dairying, beef, and tropical horticulture, and other industries such as tourism, mining, fishing, fisheries and aquaculture.” Rainforest Aboriginal people note that protecting natural World Heritage values is inextricably linked with that of Aboriginal cultural and spiritual values. World Heritage relisting of the Wet Tropics for its Aboriginal cultural values was first recommended by Rainforest Aboriginal people in their collective regional 1998 report Which Way Our Cultural Survival and reiterated as Strategy 6 in the 2005 Bama Plan. Paperwork was progressed by the Aboriginal Rainforest Council (2006-7).
1 Terrain NRM website http://www.terrain.org.au/Projects/Wet-Tropics-NRM-Plan/Frequently-Asked- Questions sourced June 2014
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 32
The strategy led by the regional Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ alliance and endorsed at the previous 2010 led to the November 2012 inscription of the Wet Tropics for its Aboriginal cultural values on Australia’s National Heritage Listing. Further RAP Project 2020 strategy endorsed at the 2012 Summit and the 2013 Warrama celebration looks to taking recognition of RAP 'Cultural Values' to a higher international level with the recognition that this can potentially deliver huge benefits for Bama economically and politically, as well as aid the conservation of the unique cultural values as world heritage. The actual world heritage relisting processes require quite sophisticated and bureaucratic understanding of state, national and international activity and a deal of focussed work over many years. The complexity is not well understood by Bama on the ground as the 2014 on-ground engagement revealed a very low level of prior knowledge related to the aspiration for World Heritage Relisting of "Aboriginal Cultural Values": • Yes (knowledge of) 4 • No response 50 • No (knowledge of) 67
Generally, the response to the following more specific lines of inquiry relating to 'cultural values' were much more forthcoming and therefore may be considered as more meaningful Bama input in CNRM planning discussions. The scope of responses creates a picture of primary concerns for Bama at the grassroots level and for Bama leadership in negotiating and putting forward Indigenous interests in mainstream CNRM developments. With regards to the cultural values relisting proposal it is evident that an effective communication and information strategy is needed. The issue was thoroughly dealt with at the Warrama celebration gathering of November 2013 yet despite this, information has not been progressively passed along through further Traditional Owner formal and informal networks. It is also apparent that few persons who attended that summit were engaged in this recent survey – which can positively be taken to mean that the circles of engaging with TOs are wider and wider. In the end Bama have responded to this line of inquiry with the same understanding that it is good so long as it supports Bama empowerment and management control in their own 'Country'. That is the bottom line.
• World relisting, WHA; Regional showcase – museums / galleries – promote each other (Bama rainforest mob) • Needs endorsement of the three cultural values project papers by wide range of Wet Tropics Bama groups, so it can be put to the Australian Government by the statutory authority • This is good if Bama get money out of this and more jobs (3) • Need to resource our activities on country so that it pays for itself • Yes, our mob should be managing everything to do with our cultural values (4) • Our people do this (protect cultural values) locally. Does it really need others involved? / Engagement needs to be more often to build up relationships • Our people have always gone back to country to practise our ways, this (protecting cultural values) has been happenings for generations • We need to have activities on our land so we can manage and keep our culture strong (4).
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 33
Input from the Booran gathering The session on the Cultural Values was co-facilitated by The Cairns Institute (Allan Dale and Jim Turnour) and CSIRO (Ro Hill). The following slides were used in this Booran Gathering session:
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 34
The main discussion points focussed on: 1. Bama-led management is scale dependent – clan, tribal, hub, regional, state, national and international levels 2. Key strategic roles at different scales – strong institutional governance, strong and adaptive country-based planning, rights and access to country, coordinating and integrating internal engagement within and external engagement 3. Key operations roles at different scales – cultural heritage identification, mapping, protection, enhancement and management; natural heritage same; cultural heritage clearance and keeping place services related to externally driven development; internal and external interpretation, education and cultural transmission. There was considerable discussion about the importance of the whole management framework being driven from the needs and aspirations of Traditional Owners at the local (tribal/clan/family) scale and that this was the basic foundation unit of management that needed to be fostered and supported. Higher level scales of management, including the regional scale, were considered very important, and needed to be established and monitored by agreement to ensure they supported, not directed, local scale management. However discussion included that many Bama on-ground feel that they are independent and stand alone with little support; the regional and sub-regional levels need to address this. While it’s central that Traditional Owners speak for their own Country, Rainforest People need to help each other as much as possible.
The range of key roles (and the need to scale up as appropriate) were considered ad discussed and generally seen to be about right. No critical additional roles were identified, but there was particularly strong support for profiling the roles of local groups in core aspects of cultural heritage identification, protection and management. There was considerable discussion and a growing awareness that getting these management arrangements right at local and higher scales would increasingly be the key to growing RAP economic security and ongoing RAP identity.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 35
Discussion noted the importance of TOs speaking for their own Country and that Rainforest People need to help each other as much as possible. With the evidenced level of interest and support from 18 PBCs, 15 Land Trusts, 2 RNTBCs & 45 other TO corporations, should RAP keep going or should the regional network be dropped for a while and re-group later? Are we doing this right? These questions were put to the participants to discuss as a group with the recognition that RAP governance may need to change. Overall comments arising included: • We need people who speak government language • Structured governance is a necessity for the way forward • Multi-layered levels of governance need to be ironed out and explained more clearly to TOs • Positive relationship building is of the utmost importance. The discussion covered: • Is there still enough support for a regional body like the Aboriginal Rainforest Council? • How do you take into account that some TO groups saying they want to be autonomous and do their own thing without the valuable support of a regional focus? • Does the face of RAP need to change? Should we keep the same management structure with the three quorum parties and core leadership group or become one regional advisory body? • Should we become a network/resource/support centre? Do we need an office and organisation with responsible staff? • How should we change our lines of communication across Rainforest people?
At the general level, there remained general support for the need to take a strong regional approach to progression of the wider agenda, but that this needed to stay conditional on: (1) focussing efforts towards supporting local scale groups; and (2) the need to revisit and redevelop a strong governance framework for regional level effort, even if it means stepping back to regroup effort. At a general level, informed consent was seen to be a critical principle that needed continuous attention at all stages. The need is for strong governance and support from ALL LEVELS so that an ongoing management structure will be in place to maintain these intended 'heritage listed' cultural values into the future. There was an acknowledgement that some different models need to be put down and sent out to everyone for feedback.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 36
Terrain NRM notes that the Wet Tropics is “a special place known for its world heritage values both land and marine, critical industries such as agriculture and tourism, a rich living Indigenous culture and unique communities” (Terrain website). The Booran Gathering noted both the Wet Tropics and the Reef World Heritage Areas.
That the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area has been inscribed on the National Heritage Listing for its Aboriginal cultural values has significance not just for Rainforest Aboriginal people native title holders and other Traditional Owners. The reasons for the inscription and what it means in terms of managing the Area has importance and implications for land owners and managers and for residents and visitors.
The Cultural Values project (2012-15) is about taking this forward, for all. Consideration to date is written up in the “Which Way Australia’s Rainforest Culture: Towards Indigenous-Led Management” discussion paper about securing Indigenous-led management of the cultural values of the Wet Tropics region and World Heritage Area, which can be referred.
! Rainforest!Aboriginal!Peoples! 8!language!families,!24!RAP!identity!groups,!120!–barras!or!warras,!!!!!!!!!! 80!organisations,!20000!persons! ! CSIRO! The!Cairns!Institute,!JCU! RAP!Quorum! Cairns! Director! Jabalbina!Yalanji!AC,!CWTICCAC,!Girringun!AC!Chairs!&!CEOs! and!Core!Leadership!Group! Cairns! ! Auspicing! RAP!Cultural!Values!Project!CoRchairpersons! body!! Robyn!Bellafquih!&!Alf!Joyce! Jabalbina! ! Yalanji!AC)! !
WHICH%WAY%AUSTRALIA’S%RAINFOREST%BAMA%CULTURE?%
Cultural!Values!Project!Think!Tank!/!Steering!Group! Girringun,!CWTICCAC,!Jabalbina,!The!Cairns!Institute!JCU!and!CSIRO,!plus!others!from!time!to!time!
RAP!Project! Managing%the%region%for%Cultural%Values! Valuing%the%% ReListing%the%Values% Project!Admin! Participation!and! Cultural%Values! for%World%Heritage%! Allan!Dale!coordinating! Allan!Dale,!Katrina!Keith,! Coordination! Iris!Bohnet,!Robyn!Bellafquih,!Sheriden!Morris,! Jenni!McHugh! Sonia!Johnson,!Terrain!NRM,!WTMA! Jim!Turnour,!coordinating! Iris!Bohnet!coordinating! Natalie!Stoeckl,!Bruce! Ro!Hill,!Sean!Ulm,!Alice! ! Onground! Alf!Joyce,!Yvonne!CadetRJames! Prideaux,!Bob!Stevenson,! Buhrich,!DOE,!WTMA! → Steering)Committee) Workshops! ! Phil!Rist! Leah!Talbot,!Gerry!Turpin! secretariat) RAP!project!governance!! ! ! ! → Working)groups') ! ! Strategic!Mngt! On!Ground!Mngt! → Economic) → Sciences)underpinning) → Facilitating)RAP) ! enabler)&)secretariat) development) the)values) decision)making) ! → Cultural)values) → The)4)values)on) → Coordinate)overall) ! → Tourism)industry) → WH)Relisting) → TO)Engagement) management) ground) Project)&)Risk) ! plan) → Cultural) → Values)Promotional) Management)Plans) Workplan) ! ) → Government)&) heritage) Strategy) → Communications) ! ) ! NGO)relations) mapping) Strategy) ) ) ! → Funding) → Country)based) → Foundations)for) ) ) → Capacity) planning) ) delivery)reporting) development) )
It’s useful for everyone to have clear understanding of the reasons for inscription. The following slides presented for participants’ information and discussion by CSIRO, contracted to facilitate this third aspect of the Cultural Values project, shows these reasons, which can be summarised as Occupation, Technology and Knowledge were The “Which Way Australia’s Rainforest Culture: Relisting the Values for World Heritage” discussion paper can be referred.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 37
A key aspect for World heritage listing is Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ unique knowledge and technology associated with carbohydrate resources using poisonous tree nuts, especially from cycads. This knowledge and technology allowed people to live permanently in the rainforest.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 38
Implications of the relisting for Aboriginal cultural values is both a technical understanding and an ongoing political conversation within Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ networks and with stakeholders across government, industry and the public.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 39
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 40
** Refer also to the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ WARRAMA Celebration – December 2013 Report pages 14-22 relating to the workshop day on the World Heritage Listing of Cultural Values some of which regarding World Cultural Heritage Management is also set out in the following. Other workshops recorded important input about recording cultural values (fire management in the Wet Tropics area, traditional ecological knowledge, Indigenous occupation, lore) and economic development through world heritage values.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 41
How things are now • Government policy frameworks are unclear and needs change; no continuity of investment in cultural heritage management • Constant uncertainty about risk of development impacts (e.g. mining) • There is no recognition of indigenous sovereignty • There needs to be greater Indigenous unity and less fragmentation; we need to fix the division between groups and stop Government encouraging it • All groups have a unique role to play in the regional picture and have a unique environment that they are seeking to care for; there is a real need to transfer culture unto younger generations; In doing so, we need to be able to compete with alcohol, drugs and the prison system • We need Government to understand our need to manage our values; we have come a long way in building cultural awareness in the mainstream community but we still have a long way to go • There are no core strategic funds for cultural heritage management and funds are too complex/ restricted in their focus • We need a greater understanding (ourselves) of what assets we are managing • Can be hard for us to maintain momentum on this agenda • There is a need to grow respect for elders • There isn’t enough awareness of the cultural importance of places and greater penalties for infringements.
How TOs want things to be • Needs to be wider recognition of our cultural values; there needs to be a real focus on everyday cultural education • World Heritage management needs to change to meet Indigenous management criteria • Park and Wildlife Service needs to negotiate with Traditional Owners • There needs to be a major change away from fragmented Government engagement; there needs to be a “one book” approach to Government; once regional scale agreements are reached, there needs to be a Government commitment to act on implementation • Real local ownership and management of land and cultural resources • We need to focus on the education of non-Aboriginal people and our people (including history) • Keeping knowledge and data management is a high priority; regional and local gateways are very important • Need to embed these things in the school curriculum, but this will be hard • Need cross-regional equity in cultural/ natural heritage management • Need strict guidelines of what constitutes World Heritage • We need to be able to take people back on country instead of to prison • We need to keep things simple and stay positive. • We need to keep building partnerships like the RAPA/JCU/CSIRO one • We need to strengthen the core sub-regional organisations (Jabalbina, Central and Girringun)
A summary of priorities • Stronger Traditional Owner/cultural heritage groups • Two-way cultural education • Transferring culture to our younger people • Fixing Government dysfunction and funding arrangements • Stopping division • Build strong local and sub-regional keeping places.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 42
Theme 2. Looking after rainforest country and conservation areas
Planning for better knowledge of country Caring for country through conservation Looking after country with rangers Accessing and occupying country Maintaining sites, signage and naming rights
Input from the on-ground engagement Key matters raised and recorded, in order, are: • Land and sea management, and Working on country • Protecting sites/recording knowledge • More Bama rangers • Access to country • Managing weeds, revegetation, animals Employment/ economic development • Build on land • Identification of flora and fauna Training • Cultural awareness: signage • Passing onto future generations • Greater organisational capacity • Better communication • Better access to hunt and gather more
,
, and fauna gather
tation
ignage s
Managing revege Country economic
angers
sea management
ccess to country Land and Working on country Protecting sites/recording knowledge More Bama r A Managing weeds, animals Employment/ development Build on land Identification of flora and Training Cultural awareness: Passing onto future generations Greater organisational capacity Better communication Better access to hunt and more Number of 41 39 26 19 12 14 11 10 5 3 2 2 2 1 times topic is recorded
** Refer also to the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Consultation about Cultural and Natural Resource Management (CNRM) 2013 Final Report pages 60-61 regarding Rainforest lands and Protected Area Management
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 43
Strategic issues
Planning for better knowledge of country Previous attention has been drawn to the recognised need for CBP – Country Based Plans. This ideally is the knowledge base that TOs can organise their work and be accountable to themselves and to the potential funding agencies. The land cannot be properly managed until the whole picture is presented. TO organisations want this precisely for their own 'Country'. They can learn from others but have a primary responsibility of their own. Some comments related to protecting sites and recording knowledge are included below.
Caring for country through conservation Cleaning up exotic vegetation, weeds, erosion mitigation, feral animals management, signage – these jobs, Bama see as their responsibility. There is some competition for jobs that Bama would like to acquire from National Parks and Conservation Groups. They want these jobs but also for these jobs to be under Bama and local TO control. That means again stronger organisations. Girringun as a sub-regional Hub level organisation for nine TO groups is seen as a good example here. Girringun has staff and administrative expertise to manage an extensive ranger program. Still many TOs aspire that these jobs devolve to their local area control rather than at the higher level. They are calling for the sub-regional and regional bodies to be supporting them in this capacity building to manage their own ranger programs. Little mention was specifically made of hunting but fishing is widely practised by families and this is important to Bama as a traditional activity that should come to some terms of understanding with conservation prohibitions. • Train young Bama to care for country, to learn the stories to pass on, know country (where the boundaries are) and the expected behaviours and to know your clan/linguistic group/s are • Promote and educate community and visitors on how to better care for country • Scholarships for land management and conservation • Recording knowledge through taking photographs of the land • We got rangers and other programs • Local mob in all positions that manage and protect our country (4) • Working on the land; bringing the land back to its former glory; weeds and feral animals eradication • Hunting and gathering needs to be monitored; over-kill – Bama taking more than they need • Training – Gunggandji need to be trained in cultural protocols • Signage to display information about country and the importance of its protection • Protect sacred sites and customs • Sites needs to be protected and working on country needs to be first step to good management • Create employment like park management • There needs to be more park management by Bama • Rangers, Bama working with state and federal government, JCU and environment organisations • Voice concerns re environment.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 44
Looking after country with rangers The most visible and accountable activity is the employment of rangers, also relevant to work teams on country. They are doing environmentally and culturally valuable work and have some direct power in the public eye. These are some of the comments: • We need real rangers managing our country; we need programs to protect the country like eradicating weeds and pests, building walking tracks and camping areas etc.; we need to protect sacred sites and places • We need real rangers and programs to help protect our country; we need more rangers and programs to get rid of weeds and pests; set up ranger programme; need for more rangers (3); need more rangers – need funding assistance from whatever/whoever to increase; there is a need for more Rangers and expectations of the role • Support rangers to protect and manage country, waterways and coastline • Proper land management and education • Rangers to control wild pigs and ensure environment is looked after i.e. people removing their rubbish • We want real ranger with enforcement powers; QPWS are useless • Real rangers with powers (4); we need proper rangers with power to enforce the Acts like QPWS rangers; rangers should be from that country too; employ more people to work on country. (3) • Girringun Rangers working on country; we currently doing this with help of Girringun Rangers (2) • We need more rangers and programs to get rid of weeds and pests • Would like to see all happen, had rangers but no funding. • Training • Come under direct Tribal Organisation direction • Having enhanced powers to enforce protection of sites and environment.
The main expressing is the need for more rangers. There are just not enough of them and they are not in place for all groups.
Accessing and occupying country The best way to look after country in RAP understanding is for TOs to have sustainable employment on their traditional lands. Again it is about living on country, working on country and protecting sites. This is the long term CNRM plan for Bama. • Going back to Country / access • We need access to our land first • We need access to our land; we need access to our country as well; some still don’t have full access • There are only three Elders left and we would like them to guide us on how to manage country • Live on (Native Title) land in order to look after land • We able to access our country and return it to the way it used to be; these should create jobs for our people • Training – learn to manage country • We need the resources to manage our own country and have our own mob doing it • Our own mob working on our own land (2) • More work on country; we need real jobs not gammon ones (4) • Continue to maintain country regardless of programs in place or not • Want to return Maytown country back to its former state so people can go back and maybe live and build/develop on the land • We would love to go back to country but can’t get access; more houses on our lands (6) • Like to see this happen on country.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 45
Maintaining sites, signage and naming rights Bama relate to country through special sites. These are both traditional and now historical. They can be sacred story places and places of social and economic activity such as hunting or access to important resource material. Many sites are now lost both to knowledge and accessibility. Knowledge of what remains is precious. RAP are keenly aware of issues of desecration and exploitation when knowledge of sites is shared and so the issue of control of access and knowledge is all-important. • We need to cut off access to women and men’s business sites; too many people going in here (4) • Also securing our sacred sites from outsiders; we need to protect sacred sites and places • Gates need to be used, lands need to be better repaired from mining, motor bikes a problem, Bama to manage country, Bama permission needs to be sought • Need rangers at China Camp, motor bikes are a problem going China Camp.
The legal issues have progressed with implementation of Native Title recognition. The powers that come with this are important but are also found to be limited in significant ways. This is reflected in the commentary. Signage is one activity raised. This is so the public can start to be aware that Aboriginal people have major interests in the land and the natural environment has a big story to tell. It is visible public education. There is the natural science story but also the earlier Indigenous story.
Naming Rights – The reclaiming and promotion of names of places is important to all Indigenous Peoples. This knowledge is more easily shared and will be an important marker that Rainforest Aboriginal people are becoming more recognised and respected in the country. There is need to bring the public into an historical understanding of what happened in this part of the world with the invasion and where and why Rainforest Aboriginal people are now, living in situations that they are. Local history, even the European side of it, is not deeply understood by the general public. Places abound with names that have little meaning outside of their historical context. The reclaiming of the older names starts to expand our collective vision beyond European colonisation and into the future as well with a more integrated and genuine Australian identity.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 46
• Signage to display information about country and the importance of its protection • Promote and educate community and visitors on how to better care for country • We need Djabagay signage everywhere on our country • Managing and protecting RAP country, conservation and regeneration, want to manage the National Parks • Sites are being destroyed or disappearing altogether (20) • Preservation of Star Trees in Yarrabah, stop cutting down our native fruit trees, Identifying and protecting native plants/animals (e.g. scar tree) (9) • Work with Local Government to ensure Traditional Owners are recognised and rights are acknowledged; Councils need to include TOs in discussion around local land development; want better partnerships with farmers (20) • No point protecting country if our heritage sites and natural heritage are disappearing because of development • Developers need to accountable for destruction of places and material culture.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 47
Theme 3. Managing reef and rainforest waters
Cleaning up the waterways Managing and planning about water Accessing TO waters and restrictions
"As traditional hunter it is always important to manage and watch and report any incidents and bad practices that can affect waterways"
Input from the on-ground engagement Key matters raised and recorded, in order, are: • Better planning and management • Protecting waterways • Protecting sacred sites and customs • Land and sea rangers • Water management positions • Wildlife • Keep farmers away from creeks and rivers • Very important (ie waters) • Trawlers • Training and partnerships in management • Mining impacts
Managing (ie Waters)
Waters
partnerships in
ea rangers and
Better planning and management Protect waterways Protect sacred sites & customs Land and s Water management positions Wildlife Keep farmers away from creeks & rivers Very important Trawlers Training management Mining impacts Number of 35 30 22 14 12 11 10 5 1 1 1 times topic is recorded
** Refer also to Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Consultation about Cultural and Natural Resource Management (CNRM) 2013 Final Report pages 20-45 regarding healthy waterways
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 48
Strategic issues
Many of the same comments apply to management of water as to land. Coastal groups have a particular investment in healthy foreshores and fish and marine animal stock. Farmers and trawlers are seen as have huge impact on the environment. Mining is just behind.
Cleaning up the waterways It is waterways that are clearly visible as to what is happening in terms of erosion and pollution. Bama fish and remember back to gathering on these rivers and streams and are now competing with numerous recreational hunters. That and the huge presence that farming is making on the landscape all draw attention. It is the lowland waterways and plains where RAP can see themselves permanently alienated from their traditional homelands. This history is being accommodated but it is not forgotten. The assumption of responsibility for making things better under mainstream environmental protection can only be encouraged. The vision of what the country has been under Aboriginal management for thousands of years can be appreciated with a bit of attention from educational activities across all authorities. This would assist RAP in their integrated development plans and in the end be worthwhile for everybody living in a healthier environment. • Clean up waterways; keeping our creeks clean and knowledge of what is happening; regular maintenance of the waterways; ensuring regular clean up of our creeks and rivers (20) • Need to keep our waters clean and someone has to be responsible in looking after our waters; need to be policed better too • We need to have clean water; removal of eels needs to be researched as this may affect the water – circle of life’ no digging out creeks • Amount of erosion in local creeks and rivers is a disgrace and farmers are getting away with murder; no accountability in relation to water • Look after our turtles • Like to see this (managing waters) happen on country – look of the quality of the Barron River; would like to see all happen, Barron River is getting dirty.
Managing and planning about water Bama would like to see something tangible happening here to raise water quality and quantity for natural flow. These are measureable things and there is a responsibility of government to inform the public about what is happening. RAP through their organisations would like to be informed to confirm and enhance their own awareness and observations. Irrigation and water supply dams have all gone ahead without consultation with TOs. Empowered people want that situation to stop. TOs need to be informed and give the opportunity to make their case should basic rights be threatened. This information needs to stand beside traditional knowledge of country (and TO Country Based Plans) that makes visible what is going on and how sites can be managed. Also with successful land claims there is the possibility that Rainforest Aboriginal people may engage in land based enterprises themselves. No mention was made of farming in this regard but small scale tourism ventures were noted. • Hold gatherings to bring people together to discuss and explore ideas about TO aspirations and the protection, management and planning on country; there is a need for more rangers and expectations of the role • More inclusion and consultation with Indigenous people when any issues arise.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 49
Accessing TO waters and restrictions It is noted by some RAP that they are being excluded from access to some recognised sites by farmer landholders and this is contrary to current laws. There is a call for these to be enforced and the public is educated as to understand these rights. Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) have been an important means by which RAP can advance their rights in this regard. Again the key strategic importance of strong local TO organisations and support from higher level Indigenous associations. Comments / examples • Stop trawlers coming close. Stop dredging. Look after our turtles (9) • Protect waterways / Must look after our waterways • Protect sacred sites and customs. We got rangers and other programs • Managing Waters. Protect waterways. Others are ruining them acting now and for futures. Act now or there will be no future • We have some pristine waters but others are polluting it • We need to have more control over this • Protect waterways • Very important, keep farmers away from creeks and rivers • Block off access to our creeks and waterfalls to tourists and tourism operators (7) • Yes we need to maintain our waterways. People don’t respect the environment • Managing our water is important. Others don’t respect it. Too much development and cropping right next to our creeks and rivers and it damages them. Not to mention pesticides and byproduct • Need to protect our waterways from tourists and operators ruining our sites (4) • Our waterways are being destroyed by overuse. Stop tourism from outsiders • Marine and land Rangers with compliance powers, not just token rangers • Concerned about the impact of mining on country • Farmers/tourists and others do not respect our waters • Some places we need to lock up and only allow our people to use • Marine and land Rangers with compliance powers, not just token rangers • Not being policed. Heavier fines given to those that dump rubbish on these waters (20) • Protect our waters particularly Herbert River • Farmers are destroying our creeks (2).
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 50
Theme 4. Planning and acting for the future
Being employed through jobs and business Planning for a positive future Strengthening governance and operations of TO organisations The Bama Plan and the NRM Plan Terrain NRM’s governance around TO business The NRM Plan, including Bama Plan, presented as a Knowledge Portal
Planning is generally recognised as being important. This is despite the outcomes of previous plans being disappointing in Bama eyes. Because planning practices have not been carried out in many organisations, the experience and understanding of "plans" at the ground level is poor. The connection between the visions and goals of plans with successful outcomes are the strategies and actions. These have to be realistic and accountable. The planning that has taken place at the regional level i.e. The Bama and NRM Plans, have not generally been carried down to the local level. Ideally there should be continuity between them. Input from the on-ground engagement The engagement records comment on planning primarily point to the priority goals of planning rather than its status and development. Planning is also extensively dealt with in previous reports. The current engagement reveals the issues that are important for RAP. Key matters raised and recorded, in order, are: • Employment • For environment • Plan funding • Long term thinking • On country plan • Future generations • Leadership necessary • On country • Think about mob not surname • Water • Business • Funding for Bama rangers • Governance support required
Planning
hink about mob not Employment For environment Plan funding Long term thinking On country plan Future generations Leadership necessary On country T surname Water Business Funding for Bama rangers Governance support required Number of 22 18 13 10 9 8 2 4 3 1 1 1 1 times topic is recorded ** Refer also to Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Consultation about Cultural and Natural Resource Management (CNRM) 2013 Final Report pages 48-66 regarding CNRM Planning
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 51
Strategic Issues
Being employed through jobs and business Employment for Bama is seen as the primary focus. The scope of employment options that are being advanced are working on country, named as Rangers, and business enterprise development. There are of course, many other employment options in cultural and natural resource management. A worthwhile development may be for the regional network to explore these, draw them to the attention of, and support local TO organisations to promote their footprint as strong employment market with job services providers.
Planning for a positive future • Planning is good but we need to protect what we got now • Make sure we are doing something now, but this should assist the next generations • Planning – having a solid workplan that provides direction and has milestones that need to be met • Would like to see a comprehensive plan developed to ensure all our aspirations are fulfilled; simple things provided to assist our organisation eg. transport and accommodation for important events like AGMs and Summits • Ensuring there is adequate support and resources (financial & physical) to implement initiatives; establish program or business enterprise to manage feral animals • Workplans developed in stages that highlight goals; a strategic plan • Good plans that will last over time • We need to plan for our kids (3) / We need more planning for our children’s children (3) • We need long term planning • We need support to plan for the future • There are limited cultural activities because everyone is time poor; we need to encourage participation on a regular basis; again if there is a plan developed with clear direction this would also present a much stronger cultural values aspect.
Strengthening governance and operations of TO organisations • Good governance; keeps you on track; gives you timelines • Getting young people involved on country; overhaul of each the organisations to have a fresh start • Effective planning for RAP working from bottom up • We need funds for governance and running of the organisation; currently being supported by Ngoonbi • Want assistance to set up business ventures (have two in mind); need advice and assistance with business plan and finance.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 52
The Bama Plan and the NRM Plan
** Refer also to Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Consultation about Cultural and Natural Resource Management (CNRM) 2013 Final Report pages 67-71 regarding RAP contribution to redevelopment of the (C)NRM Wet Tropics Plan
Input from the on-ground engagement Of the one hundred and twenty four records of the ‘lines of inquiry’ received, ninety-nine (99) – 80% of the people responded to the inquiry regarding prior knowledge of the Bama and NRM Plans. Of these only eleven (11) – 11% responded in the affirmative and a further fifteen (15) – 25% stated that they would like to be involved in any future processes of planning consultations. There was a greater response in regard to Bama priorities for planning (40) – 40%, and lesser for ideas about taking the plan forwards. This is understandable considering the general low level of prior knowledge about the current regional plans and their history. Previous 2013 on-ground engagement showed that planning for many TO organisations is also not very advanced as there is a general call for assistance in developing Business Plans, Country Based Plans (CBP) and Cultural Mapping. (** Refer also to the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ WARRAMA Celebration – December 2013 Report references to planning and mapping) The dominant issue for both inquiries was the matter of Bama ownership, control and input into the process: • "Keep (the plan) in Bama hands" 4 • "Bama TO's to take the lead" 7 • "Bama involved in management" 10 (Total 21 – one fifth of the group)
The Bama Plan also received acknowledgement as a matter of "honouring the Ancestors” and the work that had been done by Elders in the past of formulating the plan (10). Four (4) responders specifically nominated that the Bama Plan should be "separate" from the NRM Plan and seven (7) recommended taking the plan forward with "review" (7). The naming of the plan of 2005 as the 'Bama Plan' has implanted a degree of ownership even if details of the plan are not familiar. The CNRM Plan for the region must accommodate the interests of a much broader stakeholder group. The feedback from the 2014 on-ground engagement must in some way serve to integrate Indigenous perspectives in the overall plan. The TOs would like to see their “cultural values as an underlying foundation” to the hence CNRM Plan for all parties. A few (3) responders specifically related the plans to the need for "keeping the culture alive" but it was two further general qualities of organisational governance that were most strongly raised. These were:
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 53
• Accessibility 6 • Accountability 9 These concepts relate to one of three key 'Enablers' of RAP’s regional Agenda 5+3 conceptualisation for the 2012-17 Strategic Plan: "Increasing the capacity for traditional owner participation"
and as part of the Bama Plan for 'Making the Aboriginal Plan work': Strategy 26 – "Ensure that Traditional Owner groups have a strong and effective governance structure for land and sea management".
What Rainforest Aboriginal people are saying is that management should also be seen in terms of Aboriginal cultural values. Other sectors of society may well be seeing management in other terms but there is the ground to be discussed and understood. • Our impression from RAP was that they were disheartened by the lack of updated information in regards to the status/progress of the Bama Plan (“just another report put on the shelf to gather dust”). (Group record)
• Aware of Bama Plan and think I have read it. Should never get rid of the Bama Plan – it should be kept. What has been said in the Bama Plan has come from the Ancestors – it is based on what has been passed down through the ages from our Ancestors.
• Yes, (I) have some knowledge of Terrain. The Bama Plan (sets out) the knowledge and will of elders for what’s to be done on country – (it) needs to be respected and should be kept.
• From what I’ve heard, there was a lot of blood, sweat and tears when developing the Bama Plan and from what I’ve seen, there’s some great information in this plan too – all this shouldn’t go to waste.
• Elders have lived through a lot and they have been handed down stories that hold great value to what is happening today.
• (The Bama Plan) should be easy to access, for all members of a clan/family group. We are all affected one way or another and everyone should know what’s going on and have the ability to contribute to discussion and implementation. Locals (need to have) access to the internet and resources. (9)
• Local mob being consulted. Additional information included such as website links to funding grants to manage country. Advertisements – posters, word of mouth etc. (9) We are all affected, our mob are the ones to run it, not to be “supervised” by non-Indigenous people who have little or no clue what happens in our communities and on our country. (9)
• Help younger generation. Management of sacred sites are important for passing down information. (9) Setting a precedent of empowering Bama to continue land management in the ways that the ancestors have passed on and why this region is as pristine now.
• People were concerned if the Bama Plan is combined with the NRM Plan, it will it be watered down or ignored. (Group record) Majority of people interviewed wanted the Bama Plan to remain separate to the NRM Plan. (Group record)
• There seems to be no Action Plan developed to ensure initiatives in the Bama Plan can easily be measured and monitored / There should be an Action Plan developed and a group nominated to ensure the Action Plan is kept on track.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 54
Input from the Booran gathering The session on the (C)NRM Plan and Bama Plan was co-facilitated by Terrain NRM and explored • Terrain’s explanation of the new NRM Plan focussing on online knowledge, strategy and learning, and how Bama values can be the underlay • Terrain’s and the Governments’ TO CNRM agendas • Where-to-from-here steps forward.
The session started with an overview of on-ground feedback about the achievements, issues and priorities with the current and future CNRM Plan/s: • Perception that not much has resulted from the Bama Plan • Seen as aspirational rather than practical (on-ground) • Not empowering Bama to do things.
The major message delivered from the on-ground engagement going into this session was that we, Bama People, need to do it ourselves and not rely on others too much to make the changes that affect our Country. The Bama Plan needs to be actioned and since Elders have passed that were instrumental in the initial Bama Plan, it should be followed up by the next generation. Some work needs to be done on what are the actions and how are they to be implemented. Terrain NRM intends to change the form of both the Bama Plan and NRM Plan from hardcopy written document style to a digital "knowledge portal", through review and a "rewiring" of the NRM and Bama Plan. How do we take the information out of the Bama Plan and re-wire it into NRM Plan and make it stronger? How do we avoid the mistake of just one chapter? Could “the Bama Way” be the right way? How do we Bamafy the new CNRM plan? What are the bits of the Bama Plan that we use? We’re trying to get a sense of the values that are placed on it and how we integrate it into the CNRM Plan. Mixed communications from TOs are well known, depending on who you have been working with and what projects you had – the challenge for us is to get a common vision from TO groups…..the collective vision on issues. Terrain has had to do this too, in working with the 14 regional bodies across the State.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 55
Discussion noted:
• Mutual acknowledgement that the Bama Plan records valuable knowledge that needs to be kept safe and protected, and it will be a major influence whilst delivering actions. Knowledge protection and knowledge influence are important matters for Wet Tropics TOs on-ground, and needs consideration within the CNRM Plan, and further exploration across Bama. The challenge is finding ways to share enough knowledge in ways that are influential without compromising the ownership and protection of that knowledge from exploitation. • The old traditional knowledge is being eroded by climate change hence the effect of climate change on traditional knowledge is a real issue. We may need to have a brand new Aboriginal knowledge centre to thrash these issues out. • The Government support ideology is the way to go, but everyone else is making money off Bama. • Even though robust partnerships have been progressed with farmers and industry and Councils, there are Bama groups who have not been engaged with these parties in what is happening on their Country. • The disconnect between the regional level Bama planning and on-ground action – the focus needs to be on local, tangible matters. • Country based planning may resonate better with people than a regional Bama Plan, so maybe there should be more focus on country based planning.
Terrain NRM’s governance around TO business The latter point segued into a discussion about Terrain NRM itself, and TO business. • Terrain is restructuring the board and there will now be one not two TO Directors. There has also been management decision to not have dedicated TO related staffing resource. Terrain presents its commitment that Indigenous matters are every staff member’s responsibility. • The thinking behind this approach and intended programming is to reallocate these monies to direct TO support and partnerships, to support TOs’ access to other funding, and to assist with ILUA implementation. For future reference, prioritise what is your most important issues before you complete your application for funding and also have a solid delivery of services included. • Government will audit Terrain about how they work with TOs including in governance ways, so Terrain needs to work closely with TO’s to make a change for the better.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 56
The NRM Plan, including Bama Plan, presented as a Knowledge Portal One of the key things that we know is that if you are going to keep knowledge up to date and make things accessible, largely it has to be online. The Knowledge Portal will link in all available websites eg. TO weblinks, all available plans eg. Councils and QPWS, and all available documents eg. research reports. It will include all land tenures across the Wet Tropics region. Instead of calling it “the NRM Plan”, we really want to call it a “Cultural and Natural Resource Management Knowledge Portal” with knowledge in one place, easily accessible getting into the data and finding out about what they want to know. Discussion points included:
• Some TOs want the Plan gone as it isn’t adhered to anyway. Other people are saying was that they need to keep the Bama Plan, as it is about country that comes from the Ancestors. The overall view is it’s not about reviewing the Bama Plan – keep it and rewire it. Terrain to take up a clear message that the issues, aspirations and principles that were canvassed in the Bama Plan are the overarching focus in the CNRM Plan. The test is ‘does it fit the Bama Plan principles?’ • There are TO’s who want to build on the current Bama Plan and make it the NRM plan. Don’t differentiate and have both a Bama Plan and a CNRM Plan – it doesn’t make sense. It’s about creating a plan that can function as the CNRM Plan without calling it “The NRM Plan” and that also functions as a regional Bama plan without calling it “The Bama Plan”. Call it the “CNRM Plan for Wet Tropics Country and People”. • The Bama Plan principles need to be the overarching guiding principles of the new Plan and Knowledge Portal. If Bama way, including cultural values, is going to be the underpinning as agreed, it’s going to take a sustained and progressive approach to mapping and databasing, with TOs making decision about what can be shared more widely for people to protect country. • Those TO groups that have country based plans should be asked and encouraged to incorporate or link those into the Terrain NRM knowledge portal. The same with each groups’ ILUAs. • However, don’t have an CNRM plan if there is no way of controlling it or keeping our Bama knowledge safe. While it’s proposed the knowledge portal will include traditional knowledge and sharing some information is crucial, where do we stop freely giving up TO information? • Communication is the key and the challenge about having a common message. A strong network is more likely to get results from the likes of Government. The challenge is how to work together and get better at communicating a common message. TOs need to talk more between themselves, get along and support each other collectively to make this plan a world leading resource. Use the Plan as a vehicle to help communicate shared message/vision. If there’s a shared voice in terms of what do you want to do about moving forward, Terrain and WTMA and RAP work together to get some share agenda easier and for engagement with QWPS on a number of issues. It might be a challenge in some places, but an outcome would be that you keep developing a shared voice around Indigenous issues. • There will be instances of conflict. Some people might disagree with what those directions are, planning never resolves all things. Terrain committed that if they find that there is absolute conflicts that will make it hard for things to happen on the ground, it would be important to identify those and find a way to solve them. Important to make sure people got the right knowledge to understand – usually when people disagree its about one side of the party don’t have the information or they don’t understand. You have to work out what is going to work together, how everything fits into the story. • Key point of the exercise is about ensuring government doesn’t make decisions impacting country without community input as available on the CNRM Plan knowledge portal.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 57
Theme 5. Benefitting economically
Deriving economic benefit from TO Country Raising income through jobs for Bama Developing TO businesses Supporting needs in business information and expertise Information Expertise Funding
Barriers Lack of education skills and experience Government policies acting as barriers Lack of community infrastructure for economic development Lack of access to finance and resources Confidence and empowerment Lateral violence Cultural differences between Bama and white world Lack of jobs and economic opportunity Lack of networks and partnerships Discrimination Healthy individuals and communities
Enablers Improve governance Develop strong partnerships Empower Bama Education and skills development Education of mainstream community to change attitudes and stereo types Tourism levy to create long term funding
Economic benefits deriving from country are dependent on the skills and education of Bama employers and workers if they are to be successful in a commercial sense. The question of who should be the ultimate beneficiaries is clear. It is to be the Traditional Owners. Hence the importance and sometimes the difficulty in determining clear ownership because so much is at stake. Bama can see that many if not all mainstream businesses from tourism to farming to mining are all derived from land resources that are now mostly alienated from native title claims. What is left is marginal to mainstream needs and hence requires innovative entrepreneurship and investment. Without first investing in education by and for Bama, there is the obvious dependency on mainstream expertise and partnership. There is also the legacy that such partnerships are risky and difficult to trust. The goal is clear but the pathway difficult.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 58
Input from the on-ground engagement Key matters raised and recorded, in order, are: • Employment • Research and tourism • Support and resources required • Access to land • More rangers • Culture more important • All are important • Control feral animals and weeds • Contracts from departments • Partnerships with private sector • Business impacts livelihood • Training required • Farming turtles
Economic
Development private sector
ourism
Employment Research and T Support & resources required Access to land More rangers Culture more important All are important Control feral animals and weeds Contracts from departments Partnerships with Business impacts livelihood Training required Farming turtles Number of 37 27 24 19 13 9 7 4 3 3 3 2 1 times topic is recorded
** Refer also to Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Consultation about Cultural and Natural Resource Management (CNRM) 2013 Final Report pages 62-63 and page 70 regarding Economic Development and Rainforest Aboriginal peoples, and refer to the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ WARRAMA Celebration – December 2013 Report session regarding Economic Development and Management
Strategic issues
Deriving economic benefit from TO Country • We are the biggest landowners in the nation; how come everyone makes money off our land except us? • We want to be able to make money off our land just like everyone else does • There are ways to make a living off our country and still protect it • We need to find ways to make a living of our land so we can protect it (2) • More needs to be done to make money of out country to protect it • Developing economic development opportunities on our lands will bring about greater progress for our people • Traditional Owner management / empower Bama
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 59
Securing of land resources for RAP through the Native Title process seems to offer the possibility for using it to generate wealth. This promise has not been easily realised. There are limitations on land use, particularly in National Parks and World Heritage Areas. There are limitations created by the Native Title process itself. In addition there are real economic issues in running businesses and securing jobs when people are not competing well in the open employment market.
Raising income through jobs for Bama Not a single comment was made regarding current dependencies on Centrelink. This is the circumstance that RAP want to get away from. Training needs were mentioned: Training for young people in governance and business administration, taxation and MYOB training, access to adult education to build confidence. These relate to the plans for running Bama-owned businesses. Career pathways are mentioned as an option for schools guiding students into securing skills that will help then work on country. Only one person mentioned a block to employment and that was the need for public transport. There are obviously many other blocks as well. The need for jobs is the loudest call. Those jobs either must be secured from currently run operations by governments or from private businesses. There is some call for using native title rights as a lever to enforce greater employment of local people. • We need good relationships with sectors that use our land eg. cane growers and tourism.
Developing TO businesses The other option that seems more sustainable and long term is for RAP to develop their own businesses. Business ideas mentioned were the following: In Primary industry • Self contained kangaroo farm, piggery, poultry farm, watercress, eel farm • Cattle enterprises • We can benefit from farming turtles for a business • Need to set up a horticultural business at Buru.
In Tourism • Research tourism opportunities for local Bama • Trail rides, tours operated and owned by our own mob • Look at tourism, arts and crafts, and paintings to sell to tourists • We all want jobs and businesses on our country, tourism, guides and land managers • Need to do cultural tours / tourism / hospitality and training owned by family corporation • Teaching and promoting the significant cultural values of country through various mediums • Using this understanding, start small business making artefacts or establishing tours to take people out to show and/or gather traditional foods.
In Conservation • We need to convert all government jobs like rangers to ours and develop businesses which sustain our families country / Gain contracts from Departments and agencies • Conservation NGOs need to hand over what they are currently doing to our mob • Should look at student exchange programmes • Establish program or business enterprise to manage feral animals • TO engaged to preserve native plants
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 60
• Girramay rangers, make income from feral animal and weeds control.
In Bush Medicines and research • Research “medicinal” use of our native plants / Medicinal use of our native plants (6) • Medicinal plants and other by collecting and growing seeds.
Whatever ideas were presented they were most often accompanied by recognition of the need for support in different forms. There are only few Indigenous entrepreneurs operating their own businesses. These are small and some quite successful and enduring. Most of the well-qualified Indigenous managers still choose to work within the government sector or service industry NGOs rather than private enterprise. What is going to change that picture? • We need businesses and projects that create jobs; we need assistance to build these business • We need more businesses so that we become independent • Own business for our mob to help the environment and business opportunities.
Supporting needs in business information and expertise Information Bama need in all cases to be informed about what is happening in their country. This particularly applies to government and businesses that are operating on country. When TO organisations develop their own managerial and operational strengths then with proper information they can take a lead in supporting Bama enterprises. Opportunities will be sought and taken up. TOs look to their own associations at the sub-regional and regional levels to primarily keep them informed about what is happening. It is not an easy task when they are not funded adequately to do so. Expertise • Need advice and assistance with Business Plan and finance • Ensuring there is adequate support and resources (financial and physical) to implement initiatives • Needs assistance to develop ideas (2) • More employment on country needed and assistance with governance required.
Calls for exploration of opportunities, business and financial planning all require enterprise expertise. While this is not yet arising from within the RAP communities, the next step is to work in partnership with others. This is a key enabler that will be dealt with in following sections. Funding • Financial support to bring people together • Funding and information and support for business • Need finance and support for own business.
The term mostly used throughout the on-ground engagement records is “funding”. In business, the term used is “investment finance” – a useful concept.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 61
Input from the Booran gathering ** Refer also to the previous Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ WARRAMA Celebration – December 2013 Report discussion relating to economic development through world heritage values. That workshop has led into this one.
Agreement is that when we are talking about economic development we are really focused on how we can create jobs and livelihoods for Aboriginal people.
Analysis to this stage has involved review of documents including RAP reports, strategic, community development plans, ILUAs, tourism survey results, ABS statistics, interviews, WARRAMA focus groups and steering group discussions. These are written up in the “Which Way Australia’s Rainforest Culture: Economic Development and Sustainable Livelihoods” discussion paper about Rainforest Aboriginal People’s aspirations for economic development and sustainable livelihoods associated with World Heritage relisting, which can be referred.
The session on “Bama benefitting economically from the Cultural Values relisting and RAP country : Livelihoods, Tourism & Country based Planning” was co-facilitated by The Cairns Institute (Jim Turnour) and explored a) Case Study – development based on country based planning b) Economic development and livelihood opportunities 1 Cultural and environmental governance 2 Cultural and environmental management 3 Community development 4 Business and enterprise development 5 Research and education 6 Royalties and levies c) Where-to-from-here steps forward. The five themes that emerge in the analysis to date detailed in the separate discussion paper include:
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 62
Discussion noted
• Arts to be added into the businesses as a sustainable industry development. • TOs working in trades or own businesses need to be supported and we should use them where possible. • The Red Tape for starting up businesses is too hard and needs to be addressed, along with more training. • Service industry training and knowledge is lacking eg. insurance costs and reasons. • Accredited Tour Operators need to incorporate Indigenous knowledge in their training via Bama people.
Barriers Barriers to Bama creating and securing jobs based on the region’s environmental and cultural values and actions to overcome were identified. Themes emerging from discussion about barriers to Bama creating and securing jobs and securing the region’s environmental and cultural values include Lack of education skills and experience • Funding seed training and planning • Governance skills; no skills base internal; lack of business knowledge and skills; white man’s expertise is absent • Blue card and white card need skills and knowledge to get jobs • Access to education and qualifications; lack the training • Access to experience mentoring • Lack experience • Lack of education • Lack of education literacy and numeracy • Lack of funding to train people • Management capacity • Language barriers • No trainee positions available
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 63
Government policies acting as barriers • Business wage subsidies • If want to establish business on country – I have to enter into signing of leases with state government • Government legislation • Federal and State Government Policy and permits • Business employment criteria and conditions • Government red tape • Legislation policy and guidelines • Fee for services • Tony Abbott • Complain that is inappropriate • Funding bodies to implement Indigenous engagement policy • Infrastructure on country needs Council approval etc. • Need access to land to develop business • Far to much red tape
(also refer Enabler 3 Coordinated Investment)
Lack of community infrastructure for economic development • Community infrastructure • No basic connections on country, electricity, water connections, need water bores • Communication networks eg. email, internet, phone, remote access
Lack of access to finance and resources • Business support • Lack of resources and access to them • Lack of start-up money • Need for funding and training to set up PBCs
Confidence and empowerment • Lack the confidence to set about getting their business started • Not strong enough to push their case – Traditional Owners should simply say, like others around the country, ‘no you are not working on our country without attending to our interests’ • Low confidence with white world • Need for role models • Confidence in your self • Commitment • Don’t know where to start and who to see • Lack of confidence in their own / abilities to follow their dreams • Have never been encouraged to think about it
Lateral violence • Nepotism so true • Personal versus communal interest / Different ideas amongst groups • Jealousy • No unity within the group or family
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 64
Cultural differences between Bama and white world • Cultural clashes • ‘Western work ethic’ compared with day to day cultural and social reality • Social values better than a job • Move Bama away for jobs and employment
Lack of jobs and economic opportunity • Not enough jobs • No jobs • Lack of jobs in our regions
Lack of networks and partnerships • Free assistance from professional / business people for guidance • No networking communications within and external • Local council offer voluntary roles for working on country. Instead of paid jobs • Need to follow up on where there is interest from Bama (long term)
(also refer Enabler 3 Coordinated Investment)
Discrimination • Attitudes towards our employability • Stereotype held by mainstream business and towns • Perception of white people that Bama don’t know about the environmental aspects of the rainforest
Healthy individuals and communities • Health
Hmmm ….so what you got there Jim?
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 65
Enablers The opposite of these Barriers can be seen as Enablers. Other Enablers were nominated as follows. Themes emerging from discussion about what needs to be done to overcome Bama economic development barriers and secure the region’s environmental and cultural values include Improve governance • Internal transparency within group / families • Better communications within group / families and externally • Clear and strong stable structure internally of policy and process • Identify and acknowledge ‘WHO” speaks for which country / area • Disallow family control • Greater inclusion of all community people
Develop strong partnerships (also refer Enabler 3 Coordinated Investment) • Access to appropriate support services eg. lawyers without borders etc. • TOS supporting TOs • Partnerships that are appropriate and conducive to needs • Internal and external partnerships • Sometimes need new blood ideas from outside • Finance accredited training leading to employment with agreeable companies / businesses
Empower Bama • Encourage create self-employment • Encourage young role models to lead by their example • Ask successful people how it worked for them • Need to take initiative • Self-motivation
Education and skills development (also refer Enabler 3 Coordinated Investment) • Research information • Study visits and exchange programs • Knowledge networks for sharing between RAP
Education of mainstream community to change attitudes and stereo types (also refer Enabler 3 Coordinated Investment) • Educate about Rainforest Aboriginal Culture and Protocols and respect their beliefs
Tourism levy to create long term funding (also refer Enabler 3 Coordinated Investment) • Percentage of $ from tourism in WTWHA– Girringun support a regional or sub-regional accreditation framework for tourism operators, including government permitting • Long term funding for projects for employment
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 66
Enabler 1 – Strength of Traditional Owner participation
Taking leadership, and from Elders Working together within and across TO groups Focussing on local level Traditional Owner responsibilities Operating sub-regional and regional TO organisations Hub sub-regional support Hub regional support Regional and sub-regional organisations’ advocacy role Regional and sub-regional organisations’ role to support getting funds Regional and sub-regional organisations’ role with networking information Regional and sub-regional organisations’ role with local organisational support Ensuring strong, sustainable TO organisations Accessing assistance and support
Input from the On-ground engagement Key matters raised and recorded, in order, are: • Bama to work together • Leadership from elders • All TOs need to be involved • Making decisions • Fee structures and other resourcing required • It is important (ie TO participation) • Happen on country • Cultural practices for current and future generations • Learning needed by youth and TOs • Work in partnership • (TO participation) Happen at all levels internal and external
current and internal and
Traditional
s
Owner es for
Participation
need to be involved
TOs Bama to work together Leadership from elders All Making decisions Fee structures and other resourcing required It is important Happen on country Cultural practic future generations Learning needed by youth and TO's Work in partnership Happen at all level external Number of 15 15 14 12 12 11 10 9 5 2 1 times topic is recorded
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Two sets within the ‘lines of inquiry’ inquired feedback related to roles, responsibilities and relationships amongst Traditional Owner networks across: a) RAP native title holder and/or identity groups b) Hub sub-regional structures ie. Girringun, Central Wet Tropics Institute for Country and Culture and Yalanji (Sunrise and Sunset) together c) Regional structures eg. the RAP core leadership group, NQLC and CYLC d) RAP individuals, family groups, –warra and –barra locality groups e) Cross regional eg. NQTOWLSMA with Northern Gulf and Burdekin TO groups f) State structures eg. the Queensland Traditional Owner Network QTON g) National structures eg. the federal Environment Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Committee and the Australian World Heritage Indigenous Network AHWIN in which RAP are represented h) International TO structures eg. the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Peoples.
Strategic issues
The main nature of response focussed on localised responsibility and capacity.
• TOs looking after 'country' • TOs as decision makers TOs lead the way • • TO as active teachers of cultural values
Some qualifications were placed against these responsibilities, in the following terms: • Need for communication, transparency, accountability and inclusion • Being clear about 'country', finding 'rightful' TOs • Stop fighting and division.
There were twenty-one (21) "don't know" and twenty-two (22) "no comment". Responses about what to do for next steps were selective • Endorsement of the cultural values’ project papers 2 • Proper planning with milestones and actions 2 • More talking 5 • Come together 6 • Need to build stronger local TO organisations 9
In general it can be recognised that attitudes from Bama are not very positive and are more often expressed in terms of need for change. Positive roles for nearly all non-Indigenous sectors were overwhelmingly pointing to the need of support for local TO areas ‘on-country'. The key to this strategy 'enabler' is having good governance for organisations at the local level, supported by sub- regional, regional, state, national and even international networks and measures. TOs themselves are well aware of the internal disagreements and fights that mar their own functionality. Some of this is blamed on the system that they are forced to operate in. In the end, there is no getting away from the need for Bama, individually and collectively, to take responsibility for working together and this is clearly demonstrated in the on-ground engagement recorded responses.
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The 'enablers' for next steps’ development were seen to be the responsibility of regional and sub- regional TO organisations and the TOs themselves. Underlying this was the call for long term funding from government to support the processes and unravelling the disadvantages inherited from policies of the colonial past. Previous reports have already identified the need for local organisations to strengthen their operational structures and develop strong governance, accountability and forward planning with their Traditional Owner members. It then becomes everyone's responsibility for organisations to get on and work together on the sub-regional, regional and even state and national levels. The difficulty comes at the 'grass-roots' level when so many TOs do not feel properly represented and are actively participating at their own local levels. It is at the local level where this empowerment is first required. The first goal for building strong local TO organisations is central and the following points are strategies to progress towards the goal. They are not detailed or actioned and previous Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ summits have always pointed to the lack of funding commitment to an effective long-term actioned strategy to support strong local governance structures.
Taking leadership, and from Elders • We want to lead all projects on our lands; it might be time to do it be ourselves (2) / Leading all on- ground activities (2) / TOs will need to participate in advocating, supporting and assisting on everything concerning country / Our mob to be in charge (2) / Keep our practices and make decision of our lands / Local Bama need to manage the Indigenous cultural values on all levels, this should be a given; plus there needs to be a significant number of Bama to undertake these tasks / The right TOs are doing this already / All TOs know their place / We all know where we are from / Educating our mob we do have a right / TOs should guide and assist all activities / TOs make decisions and be a part of the decision making / TOs have the courage to speak up when they see things wrong / Keep our practices and make decision of our lands / Work together in a respectful way / Stand together to move forward / Take charge and drive any activities on our country (9) / Starts with our elders / That they lead us using their wisdom (2) • It all starts with our elders and local leaders; we all need to support them • We just need to care for the land and it will look after us; our elders know what to do • Making sure Elders are there to make the decisions at all times (4) / Major decisions are to be taken to the elders and they are to decide what happens; these decisions should be respected • The elders that have signed off on the Native Title should be at the forefront of everything that happens on country; it is just great we are able to sit, relax and talk with elders • Don’t forget where you came from as elders have laid the foundation for the future • Our elders know the way; we need to rediscover our respect; we do this already • We are doing this and are very strong / If we follow our elders we can’t go wrong • We need a leadership program for youth to identify the next leaders • Binga Binga (Yalanji for head man) will not work with a mainstream, 21st century, egalitarian, Australian society; the traditional system cannot exist with modern system • Elders must be central to everything and all activities must have Gunggandji people in the “driver’s seat” • Support the views and efforts of Yidinji leadership in pursuing the group’s aspirations and would like to become more actively involved in the future.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 69
Working together within and across TO groups • Bama to build partnerships to assist and support each other; resource sharing to support individuals to prospective orgs (8) / Working together / Everyone working together • PBC – working collaboratively / Support family groups • Become one, stop fighting /No fighting come together as one / Be organised, supporting, respecting • Would like to see community members reconnected and relationships strengthened / Communication, transparency, accountability and inclusion • Between TOs, others in the community and with neighbouring TOs / TOs working together with each other and historical people living on country • We need to have our people at every forum leading the way • Come together / How can you not have this? / Goes without saying / This has to occur if anything is going to be there for us / More participation • Bama people to work together / Support one another, have one big gathering of neighbouring groups just to talk, dance
** Refer also to Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Consultation about Cultural and Natural Resource Management (CNRM) 2013 Final Report pages 14-18 regarding Effective Governance
Focussing on local level Traditional Owner responsibilities The question that elicited the biggest response (97, 78%) was about "what is happening locally for the cultural values". We have already noted it is at the local level that Bama feel related and are more confident in knowing what is going on. • People are going back to 'country' 10 • Stories from Elders are being passed on to children 23 • Affirmation that local practices are being maintained 30 Supplementary to this were the issues of: • Need for funding for language and culture teaching 13 • "Access" to country 16
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Restrictions of access to 'country' and loss of traditional language are 'blockers' for Bama and their aspiration for maintaining their cultural connections and practices. Management by TOs is a matter of cultural practice. Successful practice of culture depends on access to traditional country, its’ sacred sites, hunting and story places. Much land has of course been alienated in the colonisation process but that which has been reclaimed in the Native Title process is held preciously. Further "access" may be negotiated with different landowners and the State but this depends on improving the status and respect for cultural values and people in mainstream society. Loss of language is also a serious inhibiter to understanding the depth of culture in different 'country'. Hence there is a persistent call for revival even though the particulars of a proper strategy have not been articulated. Even with limitations of language loss, the knowledge of Elders is held as the most valued resource held by Bama. Such knowledge is to be respected and guarded from exploitation.
Operating sub-regional and regional TO organisations When the lines of inquiry moved to a focus on the sub-regional and regional organisational roles it was very clear that these are seen as having a primary responsibility to support and build the organisations on the local TO level.
Sub-regional Regional
Stronger organisations help weaker 1 Support equitable relationships 9 Support good relationships 5 Support local TOs and grassroots 22 Support local TOs 27 Support is seen in terms of: Support is seen in terms of: Devolving power from Government agencies Information and networking 1 5 Support funding for businesses 4 Funding 1 Funding for projects 6 Legal assistance 1 Information and networking 1 Girringun is noted four (4) times and Jabalbina once (1) NQ Land Council was noted 8 times and QPWS/ WTMA once (1) No comment 16 No comment 16
Hub sub-regional support • Girringun does good job now. Needs to continue (4) / Organisations are generally happy with the Girringun model and some have expressed the desire to become more independent. / Perhaps this model can be mirrored in other regions. • Majority of information is being filtered through to these organisations from the sub-regional group. More support should be provided from the sub-regional to the local organisations. • We are aware the sub-regional organisations are proactively sourcing the resources to fill this need. • Funding, licenses, info from orgs about progress and success (3) • Sub-regionally can assist the local group and also positively promote each other to regionally based businesses, councils etc. / Support the establishment of a sub-regional representative group to advocate aspirations on behalf of RAP • Maybe they access to resources they can share to local orgs. Provide guidance to local orgs. • Support the establishment of a sub-regional representative group to advocate aspirations on behalf of RAP / Need their support to reach our local (TO) goals
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 71
Hub regional support • More north, central and south networking groups • Need to support us (3) / Support us / More support • Girringun model but bigger region may work –support Girringun so they can support local mob (4) • PBC – working collaboratively • Become one, Stop fighting
Regional and sub-regional organisations’ advocacy role • I would see the regional support playing a major role in advocacy, support and assistance to the entire region and sourcing funding to ensure all aspirations are fulfilled; there would also be a plan in place that is monitored and all milestones are met • Build relationships with farmers on behalf of local groups • Lobby for support from Government and for everyone to work together • Would like to see the regional body have regular high-level talks to tourism groups, farmers, Regional Councils, WTMA, QPWS etc. Regional and sub-regional organisations’ role to support getting funds • Funding is needed • Provide support to local groups / Support needed especially funding • Support from business that is making money on country to go back into caring for land – including administration (5) • Support needed especially funding (5) • Funding to develop, implement and deliver school based activities (4) • Ensuring there is adequate support and resources (financial & physical) to implement initiatives; invest in youth (3) • Funding from IBA as support from business consultants • Specific needs in expertise and skills named / Support needed especially funding • Provision of loans or grants to bring business ideas to fruition • They need to support us and help find money for our projects and businesses • We need them to support the locals, this includes training, information and funding • We need them to support the locals but also spread the word of good news and funding • They need to support us and help find money for our projects and businesses (9) • Short term funding – we need longer term funding, say 10 years. Regional and sub-regional organisations’ role with networking information • Provide information for everyone involved and offer assistance to local organisations • Gather information to pass on to local groups • Work and network between groups (like Girringun) / Networking with other groups – learning (3) • Better networking and communication and policies and procedures and agreements for all concerned on managing land – Wet Tropics, Sunwater, National Parks, State and Local Government, JCU, CSIRO, with Traditional Owners • Creating harmony and equity among TO identity group entities • Keeping TOs informed.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 72
Regional and sub-regional organisations’ role with local organisational support • Regional support can do an audit on the organisations’ needs and provide assistance to them from a regional aspect • Support locals to reach their goals (4) / Assist locals to thrive (4) • Support our mobs with skills; this includes training, information and funding • They need to support us to build ourselves up (3) / We need their support / We need support to make it happen / We need their know-how and support to get some things moving (3).
• Support the establishment of a sub-regional representative group to advocate aspirations on behalf of RAP / More North, Central and South networking groups / Sub-regionally can assist the local group and also positively promote each other to regionally based businesses, councils etc.
• They need to support Girringun so they can support local mob (4) / Girringun does good job now; needs to continue (4) / Organisations are generally happy with the Girringun model and some members have expressed the desire to become more independent / Perhaps this model can be mirrored in other areas / Girringun model good but bigger region may work
• Majority of information is being filtered through to these local organisations from the sub- regional group / Funding, licenses, information from organisations about progress and success (3)
• More support should be provided from the sub-regional to the local organisations / Need to support us (4) / More support / Maybe they have access to resources they can share to local organisations / Provide guidance to local organisations / Need their support to reach our local (TO) goals / We are aware the sub-regional organisations are proactively sourcing the resources to fill this need.
• PBCs – working collaboratively / Stop fighting, become one / Regional PBC (needs to be structured properly and fairly)
• The feedback received would like to see this regional group be very active in advocating for all RAP and provide the support to sub-regional organisations
Ensuring strong, sustainable TO organisations Behind the goals and ideas about local level responsibilities, leadership including from Elders and working together within and across TO groups, comes the need for a sustained and organised empowering for the role of Elders and Traditional Owners. Ceremonies and traditional law and daily survival and dependency on 'country' no longer bind individual and families. Organisations have been formed to try and forge some unity of action and empowerment with the mainstream system. These organisations are a "work in progress". Comments from the records of the on-ground engagement regularly come back to the needs of making these organisations sustainable and strong.
• Good governance – communication, equity, transparency and accountability
• Human Resources - trained and skilled staff • Planning ahead / being Informed • Financial resources – funding or income generation – long term.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 73
A very recent literature review shows culture and community leadership is crucial to success of Indigenous programs and organisations. The paper reviews evidence on Indigenous community- managed programs and organisations and their implementation of community development approaches to identify factors for success. “What works in effective Indigenous community-managed programs and organisations2” gathered evidence from peer-reviewed articles and organisation in- house publications and found the following eight factors to demonstrate effective Indigenous program management: 1. facilitating community ownership and control 2. embedding culture 3. employing local Indigenous staff 4. harnessing existing community capacity and its leaders 5. implementing good governance 6. establishing good governance 7. keeping the implementation timelines flexible; and 8. using community development approaches. The paper recognises the need for culturally appropriate practices in community development approaches. These approaches should incorporate local knowledge and acknowledge healthy family and community ties, as well as land-based relationships, as central to Indigenous culture. One example of an effective model highlights the partnership approach. The paper also mentions ongoing barriers to maximising community development outcomes.
Accessing assistance and support • Support from all levels need to realise they have an obligation to our mob to enhance in all areas of what we want to do on country; we want the same things for our children as they would want for theirs • Professional advice needed • Appropriate leases; sustainable businesses; partnerships with appropriate agencies • Locally we can positively promote ourselves as TOs and build good relationships with local councils, farmers, general public, schools etc • Host and invite appropriate speakers or agencies to workshops or seminars for RAP to familiarise and explore opportunities in the market to develop economic initiatives • Recording equipment needed • We really need to come together to plan.
These requirements are also expanded in the sections of this report dealing with relationships with different sectors, Enabler 3 – Partnerships and Coordinated Investments.
2 To view the key messages of the paper, or to read the publication in full, refer https://aifs.gov.au/cfca/publications/what-works-effective-indigenous-community-managed-program
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 74
Tracking the conversation:
Would support the regional RAP concept because we need to get the people together, but the RAPA need to work on relationships.
We got our NT by ourselves, we are about our own autonomy and our own group. We are part of the sub-region but not part of (the sub-regional body), it gets a little bit complicated. Agree that we do need a RAPA but it needs to be more structured.
Not a representative structure because we would need to get 20,000 people to agree.
We don’t need to have it as an organisation, information dissemination should come out through the PBCs.
It can’t be just a few people, more have to stand up and do the work. People need to see the face of RAPA as a number of people.
Why don’t we get professional people in to do it? We don’t have the money to employ people.
Girringun wants RAPA to have an incorporated arm for grant contracts. This wouldn’t be a representative incorporated structure.
People need to see models again. The previous models were discussed in 2008 at Yungaburra when TOAC and RAAC were agreed to be disbanded. Then in 2010 with the regional alliance. In 2012 it was agreed to have the north, central and south quorum parties taking on the legal decision-making responsibility and everyone could participate in the core leadership group like the 2008 focus group.
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 75
Enabler 2 – RAP knowledge management
Knowing through being on country, and role of Elders Reviving language Preserving knowledge Public awareness Passing on to next generations Protecting TO knowledge
Input from the on-ground engagement Key matters raised and recorded, in order, are: • Needs to be managed • Infrastructure needed eg. plan, database etc. • Youth and future generations need to be involved • Needs to be preserved / documented • Happen on country • More display of Bama culture • Elders involved • Need access • Language and other cultural forums needed • Important • Done by everyone • Plants and food • Cultural centre • Working together
,
lan
Managing / culture
Traditional Owner
Knowledge
Bama
food future generations need
and other cultural
etc.
Centre on country
and
Needs to be managed Infrastructure needed eg. p database Youth and to be involved Needs to be preserved documented Happen More display of Elders involved Need access Language forums needed Important Done by everyone Plants Cultural Working together Number of times 20 15 14 13 12 12 9 9 8 5 4 2 1 1 topic is recorded
** Refer also to Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Consultation about Cultural and Natural Resource Management (CNRM) 2013 Final Report pages 56 – 57 regarding knowledge management / education (rainforest culture and kin)
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 76
Focus on the specific issue of management again clearly identified the need for TOs to be engaged and in control (65) • Elders in the forefront 6 • Local TOs to manage and be engaged 21 • We (TOs) need to control management 24
The primary enabler for this was identified as: • The need to build stronger local TO organisations 10 And a second consideration but far behind: • Working with government 1
Things that stood in the way and blocked progress were specifically identified: • Funding shortfalls 1 • Keep out miners and farmers 1 • Cannot manage while we are fighting 1
Strategic issues
Knowing through being on country, and role of Elders • Take old people back out to country, camp and yarn and pass on knowledge • Be on the land (3) / This is done by everyone (3) • Need programmes to take Bama out on country; teach about Bama culture in schools • Use the ways we always have / This is done by our elders (2) / This happens anyway • Sacred sites kept in close groups etc. (9) • Like to see this happen on country • We do this by practising it; perhaps our young ones can help preserve our history better • Bama to drive own research • Supports need for cultural preservation and local land management • We have to get access to practise our culture to keep it alive (8) • Support cultural practice.
Reviving language • Sourcing funding for cultural programs – language and cultural activities • Priority for language classes / Language – workshops and research • Like to see old language groups happening again (like the one Aunty Maisie Barlow in Ravenshoe used to run).
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 77
Preserving knowledge • There is a tape recording of the elders talking about the stories of Lake Eacham, this was done years ago – we would like to build on this and perhaps do the video recording of our elders • We need to keep our culture somehow through recording it (3) / Supports need for cultural preservation and local land management / Documentation – language, writing, parting, yarning etc. / This is why we need to document our ways, to preserve it (3) • Need funding to set up data collection and equipment to photograph sites / Recording sites, stories, cultural values – need financial assistance to set up a central database • Set up database to hold Bama information – sacred sites, stories, etc.; Maintain our way of life and out values • Establish a cultural centre for knowledge to be passed on / We need a building where we can showcase our culture / Have more cultural parks or museums where the kids can learn in a fun way; needs to be run by local mob (2) / Establish a Cultural Centre for knowledge to be passed on • Have murals/paintings, landmark significant areas, promote RAP culture and heritage in local areas • We are an evolving culture and I think we must use technology to our advantage: GPS, record our sacred sites and making maps, photos to watch decay on paintings etc. • All stories and language should be preserved by way of recording / videoing our elders now – digital technology, GIS accessibility to RAP • Managing knowledge about RAP country, culture and kin now and into the future / Good to have families document history and stories from their elders; books, videos etc. • Shared amongst the family / Would like to contact Canberra to get copies of that information back here too • Preservation – museums, libraries, archives (only share knowledge that’s needed) • Language – workshops and research (only share knowledge that’s needed) (9) / Priority – language classes documentation – language, writing, parting, yarning (9) • All are important; manage knowledge re medicinal information, artefacts / Storing plant knowledge / Expressed interest in native plants and food
Public awareness • Work with other groups and share stories; networking; keep up cultural activities eg. Laura Festival • Have murals/paintings, landmark significant areas; promote RAP culture and heritage in local areas.
Passing on to next generations • Managing knowledge about RAP country, culture and kin now and into the future • Managing knowledge and RAP country, culture and kin now and into the future – this is being done now • Want to be able to record this for future generations (2) • We do this by practising it; perhaps our young ones can help preserve our history better; This happens anyway / As TO part, if we aren’t in the meetings how to we control the agenda. Only we know what’s best for us. We need to put Bama first / Support cultural practice • This is to be done by Elders; need for young ones to gain respect • Youth need to be involved in learning culture
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 78
• With our elders teaching our kids we should be able to sustain our culture into the future • We need to teach culture in the schools so our kids learn respect; get our elders involved more teaching our kids on country / also need to teach our kids respect • Need to employ more Bama, cultural values should be maintained and continued by children, need to teach the young children / Always keep in mind our kids.
Protecting TO knowledge • Does not want to give any knowledge to anyone outside his tribal mob • Keep this (TO knowledges) to ourselves • Too many people making money off us (3) • It is very hard keeping knowledge for ourselves yet have the ability to pass it on to others • This should be a local task not for others; with others involved we can not control our knowledge • If it gets into the wrong hands it can be distorted and ruined; all those that access this knowledge need to work by our rules • This (traditional knowledge) is often misused if known by outsiders • All those that access this knowledge need to work by our rules / Keep our knowledge to ourselves.
Input from the Booran gathering The afternoon discussion related to the relationships between climate change and traditional knowledge and Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ needing a new knowledge centre raised long held concerns. As reported by the RAPorters regarding difficulty in engaging input for the on-ground inquiry, rainforest Aboriginal peoples fiercely want to protect traditional knowledge, especially keeping it to Traditional Ownership, away from mainstream usurping and exploitation. This is a major challenge needing enabling – how to assist Traditional Owners record and protect their unique knowledge resource, how to assist authentic transmission within Rainforest Aboriginal networks, and how to respectfully access and take into account these knowledges in mainstream developments and decision making.
Discussion traversed the need for Rainforest Aboriginal groups to database their knowledge while acting as wise gate-keepers regarding access to that database. Deciding a culturally appropriate databasing system involves knowing the risks and risk management measures that Aboriginal groups everywhere are coming to terms with. Databases need to accommodate primary information sources ie. the people themselves, knowledge about country including sites that should be totally protected. One participant raised concern that anything published gets taken as gospel, even anthropological reports.
The Wet Tropics NRM Plan electronic database is an opportunity if Rainforest Aboriginal groups want to recognise the opportunity for traditional knowledge to form the underlying basis and inform knowledge and decision making related to country. Existing Traditional Owner materials such as Country Based Plans can be linked to the Terrain NRM Plan database. All such material helps influence and inform land managers. Other examples of databases are the Canning Stock Route project supported through Kimberley Land Council http://www.canningstockrouteproject.com/ and rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ own resource with Cultural Systems Solutions http://www.culturalss.com.au/. The Australian Institute of Aboriginal Studies’ Managing Information in Native Title (MINT) project is aimed at assisting NTRBs and PBCs to discuss the challenges of retrieving back native title information including that collected by anthropologists, and start working together towards some shared solutions including database examples.
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Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 80
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 81
Enabler 3 – Coordinated investment partnerships
Relating with residents and general public Working with conservation, cultural and NRM NGOs Partnering with local and regional business and industry Being involved with local and regional schools, TAFE and Uni education systems Contributing to research with the academic sector Setting research protocols or our country and culture Collaborating with national and international TO related groups Engaging support from Government partnerships at local, state and national levels Local Government partnerships State and national Government support Recognise TOs Funding Information Departmental and agency support Department Environmental Protection
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2010 Summit highlighted “A genuine cooperative and equitable approach between Rainforest Aboriginal peoples, statutory management agencies, non-government organisations and the broader community is fundamental to the positive, timely and full achievement of these (looking after country and culture) objectives.” This enabler was therefore named in recognition of the diverse and numerous parties that Traditional Owners have to engage with on both regular and intermittent bases. These parties’ policies, programs, service delivery and activities impact Traditional Owner country, kin and culture both directly and indirectly. The potential of these relationships can be better harnessed for significant mutual benefits.
Input from the on-ground engagement The last set of “lines of inquiry” 12-15 in the 2014 on-ground engagement looks at Bama attitude and interaction with non-Indigenous stakeholder groups in the region. They inquired about • Current and future partnerships in place and or identified • How partnerships should be working • Partnerships that work well and that have not worked (ie enablers and barriers) • Support solutions at local, hub sub-regional, regional, state and national, and international levels.
Respondents were asked about relationships with mainstream parties including: a) Wet Tropics residents and the public b) Conservation, cultural and natural resource management NGOs eg. Terrain NRM, Landcare groups etc c) Local and regional business and industry d) Local and regional schools, TAFE and Uni education systems e) Academics and researchers eg. The Cairns Institute, JCU, CSIRO, Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, Australian Institute of Marine Science, State Library, AIATSIS f) Government – local, state and federal eg. Regional and Shire Councils, WTMA, GBRMPA, DATSIMA, PM&C g) National and international groups eg. WWF, ACF, IUCN
Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 82
Wet Tropics Traditional Owner Traditional Owner networks at
Rainforest+Aboriginal+Peoples+ RAP networks Tourism inter-regional, state, intra-20 tribal groups Research Community Industry DSDIP + national+international ""engagement"challenges" CSIRO, DSITIA RIRDC etc
The Cairns
Institute and DETE + ! Cultural'and'NRM-related'NGOs'' JCU DTMESBCM
" Regional'NRM'body,'and'neighbours' " Catchment'area'and'conserva " Local'x'11'LGAs' DoEnvironment + Rainforest DEHP + DAgriculture Aboriginal " State'x'more'than'9'Ministers' DLGCRR peoples " Commonwealth' 'as'well'as'whole&of&government'approaches' ' ! The'research'community' ORIC, DATSIMA + " Universi " Special'partnerships'-'The'Cairns'Ins ! WTMA Commerce'and'industry' RDA, " Tourism'sector'and'park'use' GBRMPA Terrain " Business'groups'and'chambers'of'commerce' NRM Ports North + " Regional'development'networks' Other industry conservation LGAs x 11 partners ' Commerce and The residential and ! Domes **"mutually"beneficial,"two2way"capacity"building"partnership2based"rela9onships"**" Investment partnerships are seen as the strategic link that potentially join the gap between RAP goals and their current capacity to manage and finance plans and enterprises. It is important to know how to run a business successfully and that usually comes from education and experience. It must also be pointed out that is also requires much of the same education and experience to manage a successful partnership. It is around this issue that Bama are grappling with in trying to move forward. Key matters raised and recorded, in order, are: • Working with local business • Need to have control • Support each other • Resource sharing • (Coordinated investment partnerships) have not worked • (Coordinated investment partnerships) important • On country • Need good partners • Only if there is benefit • Currently in place • With local government • Linguists in schools • Financial support • Coordinated investment needed Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 83 Partnerships investment in schools with local business s inguist Working Need to have control Support each other Resource sharing Have not worked Important On country Need good partners Only if there is benefit Currently in place With local government L Financial support Coordinated needed Number of 17 12 11 10 8 6 6 7 5 4 3 2 2 1 time topic is recorded Relating with residents and general public References were recorded from a third of those engaged. The word 'respect' is often used is conversations with Bama about social relationships in the wider community. In the positive: • Be open to embracing Bama culture 2 • Assist Bama 2 • More access for Bama 2 • Promote good community relations to help Bama achieve desired goals 10 • Support local TOs 11 • Educate them about 'country' 17 • Need for more respect and awareness 17 In the negative: • They are of no concern to us 1 • Lock them out of sacred sites 2 • Keep out 4 • 'No comment' 29 • Support local TO’s / Should embrace Aboriginal culture in their community and be open to assisting where possible / These need to aware of Bama people and culture especially close to where they live • Community relations – engagement for community awareness. Help us achieve desired outcome (9) • All mainstream need to support and assist Bama and provide as much information to us as they can to us / Working with our local groups to assist us and achieve our goals • We need to educate them more about our country • Keep out (2) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 84 Working with conservation, cultural and NRM NGOs There is a strong and broad spectrum of responses to this sector. Responses vary from recognition as working in cooperation with Bama to comment about NGOs being competitors for jobs and taking over management roles that Bama could fill. The number of responses here represents the greater familiarity Bama had with this sector but not necessarily a great sympathy or understanding. As co-operative partners: • Revegetation and Landcare projects 2 • Organisational support 4 • Maintaining, supporting and respecting 6 • Funding 7 • Assist with resources / funding submissions 9 • Support Bama 10 As competitors: • They should pay us 1 • Walk with us, not take everything from us 4 • More respect and consultation needed 7 • 'No comment' 15 • More jobs for Bama TOs to get jobs on country 24 When it comes to programs of 'Caring for Country' there would on the surface seem a more natural affinity for Bama with this sector. Responses above suggest that this not really so with interactions to date. There is not a lot of dialogue and direct communications happening or at least, not sufficient to build good relations. Both sectors feel (probably) that they are at present under-funded and under- staffed to be able to take this task on properly. From the Aboriginal side such a job is the role of their organisations at the local, sub-regional and regional levels. The NGOs and TO organisations are seen as competing for government funding. • Feel it important to share and draw on existing local knowledge by forging strong partnerships between TOs and others • Work with Terrain on country / Landcare and manage the land • Maintaining, supporting, respecting (5) / Lack of respect shown to Aboriginal people and their lands / Need to stop taking / Walk with us not take everything from us (2) / Help find better ways to manage our land for the next 40,000 years / Need to listen to Elders • Should look at proving more jobs to local groups and work closely with the local organisations as much as possible • Information sharing/ Share resources/ Funding submissions/ Organisation support (9) / Need to give us money to manage our own lands (2). Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 85 Partnering with local and regional business and industry The theme of economic benefits derived from 'country' was continued with regard to attitudes towards business. (54) While unemployment levels in Aboriginal communities remain high, the issue of jobs and employment is always very high on the priority list. Ideally the jobs should derive from 'country' and enable TOs and family to live close or on lands in a sustainable way. Tourism and land management conservation and regeneration are seen as sustainable industries that can potentially be compatible with cultural values and practices. This compatibility is made possible by having proper and full engagement with local TOs and not otherwise. • Jobs for Bama TOs on their 'country' 14 • Tourism / authenticity 4 • Mentor new businesses with Bama 4 • More respect and listening / Educate farmers by sharing culture 6 • Information 6 • Support for Bama at local level 12 Negative comment: • Illegal mining and pastoral activities on country 1 • Do not block access for Bama 7 • Support from business that is making money on country to go back into caring for land – including administration / Information sharing / Resource sharing • Should embrace Aboriginal Culture in their community and be open to assisting where possible • All mainstream need to support and assist Bama and provide as much information to us as they can to us / Working together, supporting / All mainstream should be working with our local groups to assist us and achieve our goals • Provide jobs and mentor new businesses / Infrastructure to support business ideas. (Also refer earlier to Theme 5 – Economic Development.) Being involved with local and regional schools, TAFE and Uni education systems There was a higher response and more positive response to cooperation in this sector. Of particular note is the mention of language teaching as a prime concern. • Teach languages / keep languages through school 42 • Teach Bama history 13 • Community involvement in schools and education 8 • Support and respect Bama 7 • Resources for culture awareness training 4 • Change of Bama attitudes towards education needed 1 It is evident from the inquiries just how highly the issue of language revival rates for cultural values and empowerment for Bama. This is not normally seen as the province of mainstream NRM but perhaps it should be argued that it is. Language revival and teaching is invested with a lot of knowledge about the environment. Naming the environment can give a high degree of ownership and shared responsibilities for the Traditional Owners, residents and visitors. In the same way, scientists take possession of their different fields with specialised languages, in a similar way, the sharing of local history can give quite different appreciation of what is happening now in 'country' and hopefully that much called for 'respect' for the Aboriginal views. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 86 How the job of teaching traditional languages and history in schools is to be handled is another matter that is not gone into here. One cannot put forward that it is an easy task given the current situation in schools funding and curriculum and divisions within the local Bama communities on how it can be achieved. From another side we can see the final call for 'changes of Bama attitude towards education'. There is some recognition that career and educational pathways are needed to be taken-up by Bama so that they can manage, direct and work for the whole community and their mob as well. Education advancement is a key enabler of breaking through the 'poverty trap' and disempowerment in politics and the economy. Skills are needed at all levels. • Work with the education system • Local cultural education in our school / Teach our languages and history in school / Keep our language in school teach culture to our kids / Teach our languages and history in school / Can they teach language or Bama activities in the schools / Keep our language strong in schools (2) / Teach our languages in school • Resources, training in cultural awareness (4) / Also work with the Education system to make a difference in the how teachers are treating our children. They also need to introduce cultural activities in school. • Education programs / Community involvement (9) • School based cultural activities supported by EQ through funding and curriculum development / Commitment from Education Qld to embed culturally based activities into curriculum • Promote career pathways for locals and work with local organisations with this / Create career paths for high school students • Need funding for things like teaching young children (need to set up programmes) and this could be state or federal government. (Also refer to Theme 1 – Protecting Culture) Contributing to research with the academic sector While Bama are pointing to the need for academic education and NRM job field there was a noted tone of animosity toward the research sector. The degree to which this arises from experience is not noted but it carries as reputation (50). • They steal from us 1 • Employ Bama to do the job 3 • More respect needed / report and give back 5 • More resources needed for culture awareness training 5 • Support Bama 5 • Pay for being on country 8 • More communications needed and accountability to Bama 9 • Stop studying us / stay out or pay 10 • 'No Comment' 32 Research needs to take place to discover why these general attitudes persist despite energy and processes being deliberately put forward to engender more respectful collaboration and ownership with TOs. Some of this negativity may arise from general perceptions taken from the media. An example may be of discoveries of latest cures derived from bush medicines don't seem to accrue any financial benefits back to Bama. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 87 Research bodies including JCU and other universities, research organisations like CSIRO, and Indigenous bodies like AIATSIS are currently promoting ethics and improved protocols for research collaboration. The progress of these has not yet got through to most Bama. The intention of these protocols is that researchers may be seen as effective and desirable partners. There is a strong call for restructuring the research processes to include Bama to the maximum. This includes being up-front beneficiaries. • RAP are starting to see a trend around people coming to them researching about Rainforest and cultural activities. They are sick of non-Indigenous people researching them for cultural knowledge about our foods, medicines and traditional knowledge and then gain economic benefits from this / If they research, is this being used properly for our mob? • Teach their students more respect and stop taking our medicines and knowledge (2) / Accountabilities for Aboriginal information / Resources, research, training, understanding, cultural awareness (3) • Research should turn into funding for our organisations / Pay for being (researching) on country (2) / Our mob to be doing these jobs for our mob • Help to get our point of view across, although it’s rare (9)/ Information sharing / Work with and share scientific knowledge with TO’s / All information gathered should be used constructively and reported back. Input from the Booran gathering Setting research protocols or our country and culture At the Booran gathering, James Cook University’s Professor Yvonne Cadet-James co-facilitated a workshop ‘Setting research protocols for our Country & Culture’ with the aim was to share knowledge about research to: • Strengthen Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ capability to set and control their own research agendas • Ensure that research RAP support and engage in is meaningful, beneficial and ethically sound, and • Increase the number and capacity of Rainforest Aboriginal people, organisations and communities involved in research at all levels. Structure and content included: a) History – history of research with Indigenous peoples and how it has evolved b) Overview of research – defining research, who commissions research, different types of research, appropriate types of research for different situations, terminology c) The research process – understanding steps in the research process, rights and responsibilities of researchers and participant groups and communities in relation to each step in the process d) Ethics – history of ethics, relevant legislation and policies and guidelines, roles of ethics committees, research agreements e) Applying knowledge to the local situation – how to engage with researchers and research institutions, setting your own research agenda, managing requests to engage with research, monitoring research progress and outputs through research agreements, localising relevant existing research guidelines to suit your organisations and TO group/s. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 88 The gathering agreed three general principles for research in the Wet Tropics region as country under the custodial responsibilities of Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ 8 language family groups, 20 tribal groups and 24 identity groups: 1 Traditional Owner led and driven - all research conducted on and in country should involve TOs, with equality of relationships 2 Respect for culture, kin, country and Elders - ask first - when on country be accompanied - nothing from country will be removed without permission 3 Intellectual property of the TOs - all documentation to be prior reviewed and approved by TOs - all photos are TO property A research agreement template example has been advanced utilising the one from Gugu Badhun people with JCU. Gugu Badhun encourage Rainforest Aboriginal peoples to also: • look at the Desert Knowledge Research Centre example • search relevant websites for “Indigenous Research Protocols” • inquire the research, ethics and/or TO engagement of the Native Title Representative Bodies ie. NQLC and CYLC, and others around the nation and the NRM sector including Terrain NRM and the Wet Tropics Management Authority, and the academic community including James Cook University and CSIRO etc • specifically examine ethics and TO engagement arising from the Native Title Act, the Cultural Heritage Act including ILUA Permits and Future Act Notices (FANS), and • consider developing and cross linking research agreement templates across local TO groups and across the wet tropics region. ** Refer also to the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ WARRAMA Celebration – December 2013 Report pages 14-25 relating to the On Country Research Forum. The record here about research and the Warrama Report record are separately incorporated into the Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ 2015-2020 Research Plan. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 89 Collaborating with national and international TO related groups More than half responders were unable to comment in this field (53). Alongside the regular need for support, two matters were raised: • Advocacy 6 • World Heritage protection 8 There was no naming of state and national TO related groups, eg. the Queensland Traditional Owner Network (QTON) within the NRM sector, the Native Title TO national networks eg. the National Native Title Council or the AIATSIS annual Native Title Conference or the federal Ministers’ Indigenous Advisory Committee. The further away the institutions sit from the local area the less relevant they seemingly are known to be. There is some recognition that World Heritage protection of the Rainforest areas has produced some benefits. Mainly this has been to keep mainstream developers out. However, this also provides a problem of 'access' for Bama. The promotion of 'cultural values' to world heritage status may improve this situation but the hopes and strategies have not yet been well communicated to the grass-roots level. Without effective realisation of the benefits of native title, world heritage environmental protection and collective lobbying, there can be only slow progress of Bama collaboration in NRM management. Opportunities exist but they are perceived as coming from mainstream perspectives and in the end not all to the benefit of Bama. Engaging support from Government partnerships at local, state and national levels Local Government partnerships There are 11 local government authorities that the 24 Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ identity groups liaise with. From north to south the relations with local government councils are: Hub Local Government Authority 24 Rainforest Aboriginal identity groups Northern Hub Cook Shire, Wujal Wujal Sunrise and Sunset Yalanji Aboriginal Shire, Douglas Shire, Mareeba Shire Central Hub Cairns Regional, Tablelands Djabugay, Gunggandji, Jirrbal, Regional, Yarrabah Aboriginal Mamu, Mbabaram, Muluridji, Shire, Cassowary Coast Regional Ngadjon Jii, Yirriganydji and Yidinji which involves Dulabed and Malanbarra, Gimuy Walubarra, Mandingalbay, Wadjanbarra and Wanyurr Majay Yidinji Southern Hub Cassowary Coast Regional, Djiru, Girramay, Gugu-Badhun, Hinchinbrook Shire, Townsville Gulnay, Jirrbal, Nywaigi, City and Charters Towers Warrgamay, Warungu and Regional Councils. Wulgurukaba Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 90 For Rainforest Aboriginal peoples, native title is key to the potential of the relationship with Councils and all that they impact. All but 5 of the 20 tribal groups have Native Title Determinations, and 3 of those 5 have at least 1 ILUA with local government. There are at this point of time 37 ILUAs (Indigenous Land Use Agreements) with 9 named local government authorities. Of these the issues covered, and numbers, include: 11 x Access, 8 x Development, 16 x Government, 1 x Terms of Access, 12 x Infrastructure, 3 x community, 11 x Consultation Protocol, 3 x communication, 2 x co-management, 1 x exploration, 4 x Tenure Resolution, 1 x community living areas. “Local governments are responsible for planning schemes which regulate development around the World Heritage Area. They manage numerous roads, water supplies, parks and reserves in and around the Area and have teams which help control a range of feral animals and weeds in the region, including control of domestic dogs and cats. The councils in the northern Wet Tropics are represented by the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils which aims to build regional prosperity through interactive, collaborative and sustainable planning and support. For instance it has helped establish the Far North Queensland Pest Advisory Forum.” (Sourced www.wettropics.gov.au 30th April 2015) Councils have joined as respondents to the Native Title Determination process to ensure proper recognition and protection of the non-native title interests they and their communities hold. However there is great potential for productive and mutually beneficial relationships between Rainforest Aboriginal peoples and the 11 local government authorities. The detail and potential inherent in the local government ILUAs seems to be not well known on-ground and TO groups express frustration with moving from annual ILUA based meetings to constructive relationship. On-ground comments include: • Work with Local Government to ensure Traditional Owners are recognised and rights are acknowledged / More respect and recognition of our culture and people / Accountabilities for Aboriginal information • Work in partnership with Local Government to develop collaborative responses to relevant issues (11) / We need them to support the locals • Support needed especially funding (4) / Support needed by local government for vehicles, tools and setting up meeting places / Need support to take money off Councils which is rightly theirs / Take money off councils and give direct to TOs • More funding for jobs and programs on the land / Support our mobs with skills • Cairns Regional Council and Queensland State need to start implementing Sections 25 and 26 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act – duty of care and Cultural Heritage Management Plan • Yarrabah Council need to consult more with Bama / Any department that has an input into the Western Yalanji Corporation and the people / Local Government should consult us all the time. The Tableland shire does not do this. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 91 State and national Government support When it came to inquiries about for comment about the role of Government (State, national and international), the level of people responding with 'No Comment' doubled to sixty-one (61), a third of all those engaged. Appreciation of government role came from a select group who had some successful negotiations with sea rights around the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. This is where strong conservation interests coincide with commercial tourism interests and Bama interests in protecting the reef and marine foreshores. Generally governments at State and national level have not been seen as good partners or advocates for Rainforest Aboriginal people. Government agencies are seen as advocates and supporters of other stakeholders and historically as the instruments of invasion and dispersal. The progress in some areas will no doubt be acknowledged but while policies and levels of support shift about in the political winds, there is some scepticism and resistance to seeing government as a key partner for advancing Aboriginal affairs. This is contrary to the persistent claim for funding from government. Individual TOs (as individuals of all social or economic groups) require sophisticated representative organisations that can work 'in the system' and understand the needs for accountability and reciprocity and the political process. Such TO organisations also need to be sophisticated in their governance and communication so that their actions are visible outwards to their members and accountable to their members as well as the funding agencies of government. The government is primary seen as a funding source and support opportunity for Bama to undertake their own NRM projects (61) • Coal seam gas a problem 1 • Management plans for TOs 1 • Work closer with TOs 2 • Listen to Elders / be culturally sensitive 2 • More respect 2 • Communicate information 5 • Go away and leave us alone / they don't help 5 • Support Bama 8 • Let us look after our lands 8 • "No Comment" 12 • Long term funding 30 Without funding (meaning long term funding) many of the aspirations of Bama for themselves in country do not seem achievable. There is also an underlying call by Bama to see what is and can be done by TOs from their own perspectives and values and not to be judged by ever changing government policies and priorities. Recognise TOs • Less tokenistic view of RAP and real management of Wet Tropic Area from RAP; State Governments have no respect for TOs; Bring to task Australian Government when charters/declarations are not being adhered to • Support by state and federal governments. Recognise TO ownership / Bama and Government need to work well together / Government should work more closely with TOs. Government does not seem to listen to our elders. But they should realise most times, our elders do have the answers • Let the tribes make decisions about what we can do on our land. Help us to run our own land • Training for skills to talk with all levels of government and to be taken seriously on matters of concern. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 92 Funding • Funding, licenses, information about how they are doing and successes (4) • Provide information on what’s happening around the country and see how this works for us locally (2) • Funding to develop, implement and deliver school based activities • State and federal Governments need to provide longer funding not just yearly or three yearly; this is not long enough to success on anything / Provide longer term funding (5) • Resources are a huge requirement to get the outcomes achieved Information • We can learn from other regions and get other ideas • Be more open to sharing information • Good projects on country – let’s have a trial – implement it, review it and if it didn’t work – scrap it; but at least trial it • Better networking and communication and policies and procedures and agreements for all concerned on managing land – Wet Tropics, Sunwater, National Parks, State and Local Government, JCU, CSIRO, with Traditional Owners • Support and assist all RAP; in all these areas, there needs to be a great level of transparency Info from organisations about progress and success • Information needs to be filtered through from top to bottom and vice versa. Departmental and agency support • There needs to better partnership arrangements with QPWS to secure infrastructure contracts in National Parks • ORIC for governance training and IBA for mentoring business opportunities • Working with WTMA, GBRMPA, Department of Fisheries, Prime Minister’s and Cabinet Department, Departments of Environment Resources Management • Mediation between each other and all of government. Department Environmental Protection • Landcare / Need to give us more projects to manage our lands • Resources, research, training, understanding, cultural awareness • Pay for being on country • Negotiate commercial fishing, dredging etc (9) • Protection of breeding / feeding grounds of native animals (9) • Need more information from government about changing policies and program opportunities • Assist our mob to learn more about environment and help them to get job in this area. Specifically in the NRM field the following comments are noted: • Scholarship program for Bama 1 • Ranger training at tertiary level 1 • Tertiary education pathways for NRM and research 1 • Career pathways for Bama and jobs / tour guides 4 Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 93 Input from the Booran gathering The how-to of RAP and mainstream empowerment-based regional and on-ground engagement structures and partnership practice to progress on-ground and regional achievements, including RAP leadership and governance capacity development discussion was co-facilitated by Allan Dale, and is set out at Theme One. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 94 B. CONCERNS, ISSUES, BLOCKERS AND ENABLERS Barriers Enablers Negative aspects to be overcome Bama being in control Cooperation required Successful partnerships Celebrating positive experiences Where to from here Input from the on-ground engagement RAPORTER comments about barriers and enablers emerging in the process drew primarily from a line of inquiry around “things that have worked well (the enablers/ success stories), and things that have not worked well (the barriers/issues” and “solutions” at local, sub-regional, regional, state, national, and international levels”. This line of inquiry was towards the closing stages of the engagement, and A third of those engaged responded about barriers, raising 70 odd comments. As well as being analysed for key concepts and strategic issues, these can be grouped as internal and external matters, as set out further below. Input from the Booran gathering There are two sessions from the Booran gathering that are relevant to this focus on Concerns, Issues, Blockers and Enablers for where to from here. The first was the northern, central and southern feedback pathways for where to by 2020. RAPorter comments about important themes emerging in the process include: • NRM is part of life and the cultural landscape; do not try to separate the things that are together – NRM is not separate, ‘cultural landscape’ is all-inclusive • The importance of passing on culture, language and knowledge to children / Education in local schools, the need for initiatives in schools to learn differently – to learn the Bama way instead of the white man way, and learning Indigenous language instead of Chinese etc. • We don’t want to talk we want to do; enough talk let’s do something / Translating plans into actions and the lack of accountability – plans are not seen as helpful in terms of getting things done; plans need to be useful and actionable and accountable and monitored and relevant • Need better partnerships, best partnerships are with other Traditional Owners because always/often made to feel like an inferior partner to other non-TO groups and feel used and exploited. Sharing knowledge means losing control of that knowledge and is disempowering for Traditional Owners. Partnerships need to be at the right level. TOs often have good relationships with local people on the ground (the government employee who actually works in the area) but lack relationship with their supervisor and manager and the more senior bureaucrats • The impression of Terrain’s recent restructure is bad • TOs want to make money • TOs want to do things mainstream is already doing – such as managing National Parks. Instead of National Parks staff – why can’t the Traditional Owners be employed or contracted (and paid) to do the job? Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 95 The second session relevant to this section on Concerns, Issues, Blockers and Enablers for where to from here was the “Where to From Here” session. This focussed especially on the target Year 2020 thirty five year watershed since moves about declaring the region as world heritage, and was co- facilitated by Sarah Warne. Three key strategies identified from across the 2010, 2012 and 2013 RAP Summit gathering records and RAP feedback are Strategy 1. Knowledge Centre and how to manage it; Strategy 2. Stronger organisations and Strategy 3. Jobs and Business. The session explored • Agreeing the Directions, priorities and strategies forward • Knowledge sharing: Centre for Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ Culture and Knowledge • Strong country, livelihoods and culture, and • Human and social capital: participation, leadership, governance. Outcomes have been used to update the previous Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ 2020 plan (2015- 2020) as noted in the Introduction, please refer above. Barriers As well as others recorded under other sections of this report, • Not having an effective Board is a significant issue • Groups are frustrated and outraged that Local Councils do not acknowledge Traditional Owners when doing business • Having difficulty with the RNTBC (Native Title legal entity) • Did not know anything about the NRM, Bama Plan and the Regional Agreement. Enablers As well as others recorded under other sections of this report, • Board Charters, Policies and Procedures developed • Governance training delivered on a regular basis – ORIC should be contacted to deliver training • Council needs to be approach about having a TO representative on Council or establishment of a mandatory engagement protocol during planning and assessment applications • Workshop with RAP to provide all information about Native Title responsibilities • Contacts database to be developed; newsletters, mailout, broadcast email on everything relevant to RAP to be sent out to the mob; regular meetings on RAP issues. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 96 Strategic issues Key concepts The numerous barrier and enabler matters arising from the on-ground engagement and Booran gathering discussions can be summarised as: 1 Leadership including from elders / The next generation / Social strategies 2 Cultural practice / Culture maintenance and revival / Language maintenance 3 Management by Bama 4 Planning positive futures 5 Jobs for Bama / Need for more rangers 6 Being on country / Going back to country / Access to country / Derived from country / Restrict access 7 Proper land management and education / Site protection / Conservation and regeneration/ Clean up waterways 8 Businesses and culture sharing 9 Business support / Funding / Partnerships Negative aspects to be overcome Internal • Feels strongly about Native Title having divided families and communities would like to see a return of past close relationships between groups / People were working together and getting along before Native Title / Disconnect within community since Native Title / Fighting and conflict over land – has split families/ No more infighting should happen / Our mob fights too much; we will not progress until we remember our tribe and not our surname; too much family/in house/organisation bickering and infighting / Too much fighting by mob, no progress until tribes come together, rather than families / Arguments and greed (2) / More often, too many people are gammon and take over (9) • Disrespect for country, people stealing equipment, personal items and wrecking property • Binga Binga (Yalanji for head man) will not work with a mainstream, 21st century, egalitarian, Australian society; the traditional system cannot exist with modern system / Loss of cultural knowledge • Younger generation not listening to elders and losing the true stories / We need to be able to discipline our kids, there is no respect for elders or parents / More programs cultural camps for kids on country might straighten them out/ Language classes (10) • Attitude toward education for Bama need to change / education is important and young people to be encouraged to graduate at all levels of schooling by family and the education system / Have access to scholarships • Everything they have accomplished, has been done by themselves / A lot of Bama have been doing things by themselves for so long; we need to think about them / Recognition for TO a good thing / Recognition of local TO groups / No strong Aboriginal voice / Governance is breaking down due to non-performance of middle management and weak members on the Board / There has been some governance issues but people did realize them and wanted to really resolve these issues / Need to have strong leadership (2) / Elders need to lead in a positive way / Good Indigenous Leadership programs in the schools Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 97 • Loss of respect from both Indigenous and non-indigenous for culture (not good) / Organisations at all levels need this knowledge from Elders and TOs, and continue to keep taking from us, we need to have genuine support External • Development happening without consultation / A lot of broken promises by Council / engagement / BHP Mining destroyed the land at Maytown by mining for gold / Mining leases / Illegal mining activities on country / Logging has had a big impact on country / Within tourism industry in regards to barriers, EPA and Government restricting and trying to get Bama to pay fees and permits for sharing and showing our bubu (country) / Squatters on country (2) / Pastoralists on country / Coal seam gas plans for country not good for country / Clearing of pine on country, left untidy – (needs for the company to pay the TO’s to landscape the area). • Researched out never get anything back (4) • Government should not be making decisions about our land / Problems working with non Bama in government / Time for Bama to stop going to government and organisations like Oliver with cap in hand and asking for more • Good thing - NOTHING / Don’t know of any partnership that has served our people well (3) / None that I know of / Do not know of any / I haven’t seen many that work so I am yet to be convinced that there is such a thing / I have not seen a good partnership. Bama should benefit the most out of any partnership not outsiders / Current partnerships are tokenistic and do nothing for our mob / No strong Aboriginal voice / We get the “crumbs” / We always lose out (3) / We do not see the benefit in this / If we could find a partner we could trust, this is the hard part – so many will take everything from us and leave us with little • Loss of respect from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous for culture / Not working with elders and getting permission to do things / Organisations at all levels need this knowledge from Elders and TO’s, and continue to keep taking from us, we need to have genuine support • Planning has worked well, nobody implements plans / 20 years of plans with government agencies and indigenous TO’s but no real action comes out of them • Other businesses making a profit / Not enough money / Short term funding - we need longer term funding say 10 years. Bama being in control • We need help as long as we are driving it (3) / Partnerships should work for us; if they don’t they are useless / These are good if done right • Happy to partner as long as all control is with Djabugay • Bama to lead everything / Everything they have accomplished, has been done by themselves • Only if we control the money and the project (9) / A good idea if we still have control • We need our share of any partnership and it needs to be true • Be on the land (3) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 98 Cooperation required • Whatever good partnerships there are, they should keep going / More benefits for our people / Working together / Need good partners / We need real partnerships where we get what we deserve / Support from all levels needed to realise they have an obligation to our mob to enhance in all areas of what we want to do on country / Need co-ordinated investment partnerships / Working together • We need support to help us deliver for our families / These need to be true partnership / Despite all the barriers we are going back to country / To develop my business to grow and employ family and other Bama • Appropriate leases, sustainable businesses, partnerships with appropriate agencies / Working with local businesses to promote RAP Bama culture (3) / Need to have a strong partnership with Tourism Australia, local Councils, the private sector etc. / Work in partnership with Local Government to develop collaborative responses to relevant issues / Need drug awareness centre, drop in centre, sports centre, women's support groups / We need to get drugs and alcohol out of our community • All information should be filtered up and down / Mentoring to enhance knowledge sharing • More engagement with neighbouring tribes / Bama to build partnerships to assist and support each other (9) / Resource sharing to support individuals through to prospective organisations (9) • In a collaborative, respectful manner to ensure that Bama get the best assistance to provide them with housing, land ownership and become empowered to run our own affairs / We need transfer of skills from external to our people / We don’t have to rely on white people, governments and other organisations. Successful partnerships • In some instances, personality driven relationships have worked well between partners, however systemic protocols between partners needs attention • Project-based initiatives have worked well eg. Girringun’s Kids and Cassowary project • Sustainable business / Partnerships with appropriate agencies (2) • Transparency from external organisations on their objectives eg. researchers (6) • Respect (12) / In a respectful manner. Celebrating positive experiences • Keep the current partnership working well, even through staff changes • Research on country • Cultural mapping • People are moving back on country / Training has been held on country for young people • Revegetating projects / Workshops held on land care / Rangers on country • Working with local businesses, tourist groups, like Kuranda Markets / Tourism / Kayaking tours from Ingham works well • Partnership and business with GBRMPA, Wet Tropics Management Authority, Cairns City Council, Yarrabah Council / National Parks, councils – good partnerships • Collaboration between Girringun and other organisations has worked well Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 99 • Good working with Land Council too • Having both NgadjonJii Land Trust and Ngadjon Mitcha Jimmar-Mar Aboriginal Corporation partner together to make a strong cohesive group. Where to from here These strategic issues do not represent a complete list of the issues that are necessary for the successful implementation of cultural and natural resource management by Rainforest Aboriginal peoples in partnership with other land managers and stakeholders. There are other important factors that also need to be considered in the implementation phases such as capacity issues and governance of activities. Critical success factors for ensuring the success of the required outcomes must be given special and continual attention to bring about high performance. The Booran outcomes of this session are set out in the report of the Gathering, and taken in to the “Where to From Here” Project 2020 paper. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 100 C. ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES AND DRIVERS (INCLUDING CLIMATE CHANGE) Input from the on-ground engagement Note that the term of "climate change" was not mentioned a single time in the on-ground inquiry records. Such related questions were not included in that exercise. The huge and direct impact of white settlement is the most obvious and clear driver of environmental change for Aboriginal people. It matters little that it is called 'climate change', pollution, over- exploitation, over-population – the effects are the same for Bama. Whatever disasters are foretold from irreversible climate changes, these have already happened for Aboriginal People of Australia over the past two centuries. That is the bigger picture. The drivers of climate change are still pollution and overuse and abuse of natural resources all affecting 'native title' lands and broader Traditional Owner concerns. The predicted 'disasters' of change have already hit Aboriginal people, who have quite a different perspective about the nature of key environmental changes for them. Some climate change related aspects that were identified specifically in the RAPorters’ records of comment in late 2014 are as follows: Loss of Traditional Owner control and access to 'Country' • Loss of traditional knowledge • Non protection of sacred sites • Restricted access to 'Country' • Protect waterways • Loss of sustainability and living on 'Country' Specific Practices • Wildfires • Trawlers • Farmers along creeks and waterways • Managements of weeds and feral animals. Input from the Booran gathering An afternoon discussion was around the effect of climate change and the real issues with that. It is now affecting the old traditional ways and knowledge as things no longer marry-up as they have for centuries. We see birds that come before their time, we see fruit that come before their time – all of this needs to be revisited and take into consideration. The world is changing and old people used to know but now it’s changing. The old traditional knowledge is being eroded by climate change hence the effect of climate change on traditional knowledge is a real issue. We may need to have a brand new Aboriginal knowledge centre to thrash these issues out. Terrain advised CSIRO has been asked to do climate change modelling for the whole of Australia, and what it’s going to do in the Wet Tropics. CSIRO doesn’t know our knowledge, a certain time we go hunting, if those trees or signs are changing, certain things that are happening then we go hunting. It will be important to specifically take this modelling out to the Rainforest Aboriginal groups and their organisations. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 101 Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 102 D. DECISION MAKING POINTS OF CONTACT Involving TOs in mainstream decision-making Information Empowerment Working through the governance structures Refer the information from the on-ground records set out under Enablers One and Three above. Several key projects are about clarifying the current “what”, and is sought by parties including Terrain for the NRM Plan, RRRC and others for research, government regarding investment. The WT WHA management agenda is a significant part of the “what”. Another aspect sought by parties (incl Terrain, WTMA, RRRC), is the “how" of engaging right Bama parties. The network of Rainforest Aboriginal peoples is a complex picture, as follows. Some of this ‘picture' has been quoted on WTMA’s website. This understanding has been discussed and written up in several sources • since the WTMA focus group / leadership group started up post the ARC, in 2009, • at the 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014 regional gatherings of Rainforest Aboriginal people, and • is included the 2014 consultation report coming to you at WTMA, in the section “Decision making points of contact". The collective picture is progressively refined as discussion, developments and general consensus unfold. For instance, developments are progressing around the inter-relationships between the RNTBC/PBCs and the Land Trust bodies, and also about the inter-relationships between the RNTBC/PBCs and the Cultural Heritage Bodies. For the last couple of years, NQLC has been active in bringing PBCs together, including those from Rainforest country within the wider NQLC footprint. Developments continue to unfold between the Land Council and the regional RAP leadership network. Hence the complexity of the collective picture. The 2013 and 2014 on-ground engagement demonstrate there is wide-spread agreement that the focus is about outcomes on-ground at local level, and recognition that some matters are best advanced collectively including at regional (and state, national and international) levels. The self-determined networks across the 20,000 wet tropics rainforest Aboriginal peoples ie the Wet Tropics regional Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ network [Gemeinschaft (subjective, voluntary and feeling-based sense of community across the cultural and regional commonality)] comprises • on-ground 7 language family nations (Kuku Yalanji, Djabugandji, Yidinji, Dyirbal/Djirbalngan, Mbabaram, Nywaigi, Warrgamaygan plus Gugu Badhun as an 8th), 120+ warra and barra locality groups and 600+ extended families across 24 identity groups o in the south – Wulugurukaba, Gugu Badhun, Warrgamay, Warungu, Nywaigi, Bandjin, Girramay, Jirrbal, Gulnay, Djiru (and possibly Palm Island Traditional Owners, Manbarra, who have stated a cultural interest) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 103 o in the central Wet Tropics – Gunggandji, Djabugay, Muluridji, Mbabaram, NgadjonJii, Mamu, Yidinji (Wadjanbarra, Dulgubarra, Malanbarra, Wanyurr Majay, Mandingalbay, Gimuy Walubarra), o in the north – Sunrise and Sunset Yalanji and their 80+ RAP legal entities, especially o the 18 RNTBCs (also known as PBCs and which collectively cover 70% of the region, with further claims proceeding through the court system) o the more than 15 Land Trusts and land owning parties o at least 5 Queensland-registered Cultural Heritage bodies o 2 NTRBS (North Queensland and Cape York Land Councils) • north + central + south wet tropics sub-region, or hub, levels o duly authorised through the north, central and south Aboriginal Corporation legal entities ! Jabalbina (Chairpersons Maryanne Port and Andrew Solomon) ! Girringun (CEO Phil Rist) ! Central Wet Tropics (Chairperson Allison Halliday) • at the regional level o those three hub level parties above, who have accepted taking on this responsibility as the agreed regional quorum (Gesellschaft – rational agreement by mutual consent) o the direction setting core leadership group comprising self elected authorised leaders from across the 24 RAP identity groups listed above together with 12+ Traditional Owners who sit supporting and advocating RAP interests in mainstream agencies such as WTMA, Terrain and NQ Dry Tropics and Cape York NRMs, Regional Development Australia FNQ&TS, Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, and also those RAP persons on the boards of the North Queensland Land Council and Cape York Land Council NTRBs. (Such persons include Leah Talbot, Sandra Levers, Henrietta Marrie, Gerry Turpin, Joann Schmider, Steve Purcell, Allison Halliday, Phil Rist, Melissa George, Chrissy Grant and the land councils’ 9 Rainforest country-related representatives. Some of these persons have since changed, eg. Alf Joyce and Robyn Bellafquih as co- chairpersons of the WT Cultural Values project.) Without an equity based and or regional development approach, 80 legal entities compete for the limited resource base, with the more than 70 small and voluntary groups competing with the half dozen large and well resourced legal entities. • RAP want more equitable engagement supporting the capacity of and sustainable “what” quadruple bottom line development for all 24 Rainforest Aboriginal identity groups. • RAP also want the “how” of building RAP capacity across the small organisations, seen to include leadership and governance. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 104 Those RAP parties who are contributing to the regional overview and development support are mainly a voluntary force supported by mainstream partners. The strategy to deliver a stronger organised voice for TOs originally seemed to have relied on wide consultative approaches such as the development of the Which Way Our Cultural Survival? Report (1998) and the Bama Plan and Regional Agreement (both 2005). Following these, the strategy changed to appointing Traditional Owner representatives on mainstream NRM-related boards and operating Traditional Owner advisory committees. Progress since 2009 has focussed on the role of a regional and somewhat self selected leadership group across Wet Tropics region, started through WTMA. This core leadership group was supplemented by some organisations taking on auspicing and related legal roles, and providing an authorised voice at sub-regional levels combining in the regional voice. The most developed of these sub-regional organisations is Girringun (1996) in the south and more recently Jabalbina, (2007) in the north which developed with the native title process which started in 1994. The central region is a patchwork of bodies – 55 legal entities across 9 tribal groups, with some groups collaborating together as Central Wet Tropics Institute for Country and Culture Aboriginal Corporation (CWTICCAC). CWTICCAC was established in 2010 because of the interest and recognition across several central groups about the challenge in securing individual working on country or IPA or similar ranger programs for as many as possible of the 9 tribal groups involving 14 identity groups. The membership of CWTICCAC is waxing and waning, though many groups across the central region appreciate the work repeatedly addressing IPA-like developments. The feedback consistently sees the role of these umbrella governance structures as supportive rather than decision-making. The power of decision-making is to be maintained at the local level. While there is still so much inequity among different groups on-ground regardless of if you are looking across the 24 identity groups, the 18 RNTBCs or the 80 legal entities, the role of sub-regional organisations can be seen as crucial to deliver higher-level agreements with government and mainstream that are the result of collective decision-making. The more organised local TO groups all aspire to this capacity for themselves and therefore refining the governance structures and operations in these sub-regionals is a most important factor in their effectiveness and sustainability. Naturally it is easier for government and mainstream to fund a few organisations rather than everybody. Sub-regional and regional structures can be seen as a more efficient means of delivering government’s service responsibility. However, the levels of such funding remain so low that local organisations can feel quite neglected and disempowered and it becomes a huge struggle for sub- regionals to do the job of taking care of such broad responsibilities for Traditional Owners. On the regional level, the North Queensland Land Council was noted eight times. There are other regional bodies for Bama but not so high profile. The voices of Bama are heard in management boards and structures of mainstream organisations such as Queensland Parks and Wildlife and Wet Tropics Management Authority but these are less known about by Bama. The broader an organisation tries to operate the greater to work of keeping communications going and legitimising operations. Without adequate funding it is even more difficult. Taking into account the earlier discussion under Theme One about the different scales of engagement, the challenge for mainstream and Bama, is to ensure engagement across all levels. It is tempting for mainstream to engage locally and make decisions based on their own perceptions of the collective view, however this is not authentic or even useful practice. Better engagement would involve mainstream following through with the Traditional Owner sub-regional and regional networks about their knowledge and experience and views about the collective assumptions being made. Same as the situation for mainstream bodies, agency or entity views are interdependent with other local and sub- regional, regional, cross regional, state, national and international relevancies. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 105 Involving TOs in mainstream decision-making Decision-making is a matter of governance and the issue permeates this and previous reports. It is raised so many times because of the need in Aboriginal society for collective decision-making and the lack of conditions that make that process workable and timely. The conditions that are most favourable are when there is a high degree of equity among participants. People need to be informed and have good communications. Decisions need to be made in a timely manner but also for there to be a high degree of consensus that will affect ongoing cooperation and support. Attempts to adopt top-down management only further alienate RAP from the process. When policy or program decisions are made at a national, state or regional level, the effects are felt locally. Empowerment in a post- colonial situation is a crucial ingredient of social development for Indigenous People. That means specifically being part of the decision making process. This principle of Indigenous involvement in decision making in matters affecting them (and their Country and culture) has been recognised in Indigenous affairs since at least the mid 1970s. Indigenous people espouse a parallel and stronger view of “self determination”, reflected in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples http://nationalcongress.com.au/the- declaration/ In particular, attention is drawn to • Foundational right including to self determination (Articles 1-6) • Language, cultural and spiritual identity rights (Articles 11-13) • Participation, development and economic and social rights (Articles 18–24), especially FPIC – Free, Prior and Informed Consent (see http://firstpeoples.org/wp/fpic-101-an-introduction-to- free-prior-and-informed-consent/ and https://www.acfonline.org.au/sites/default/files/resources/75%20Free%20Prior%20and%20In formed%20Consent_Jul%2011.pdf) • Rights to country, resources and traditional knowledge (Articles 25–32). More recently in mainstream society including international arenas, the issue has focussed as “community engagement” and public participation in decision making. The IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum is also recommended to attention, especially the empowerment goal. https://www.iap2.org.au/resources/iap2s-public-participation-spectrum The Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples' Alliance is attempting to facilitate this decision-making capacity with Bama on the regional level. Working at the regional level is about supporting the on-ground local and sub-regional networks. In turn, the regional level can draw benefits into the subregional and local levels through advocacy and opportunities at cross regional, state and national levels. Ideally, communications and information flow between all organisations at the regional, sub-regional and local levels and from there to families and individuals. Because of scarce resources with limited infrastructure and personnel at all levels, this is not happening effectively enough to networks’ satisfaction. There has been a continual request for support to rectify this situation that has not been heeded. These reports following summit gatherings, meetings, surveys, discussions and collaboration are efforts to keep open the lines of communication and empowerment. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 106 Information A key issue is that decision-making be informed. We can take that to ultimately mean to be knowledgeable about the social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts from both western / scientific and traditional knowledge points of view. There are many stakeholders to be affected by CNRM and development related decisions. Aboriginal people have been and are being grossly impacted in the past and still to the current day live with the damage and in an overall situation of disadvantage. With empowerment their decisions, those of current TO's, will impact back on the whole society. The tenor of responses from the on-ground engagement strongly points to the responsibility of government and mainstream to properly inform TOs of what is happening. It is also of course the primary responsibility of TOs to be themselves informed especially when they take on roles in governance. For this they need to develop capacity. They particularly look to the roles of their sub- regional and regional bodies with which they can build a personal confidence and communication. These networks can bridge the language barrier that is often erected with government and mainstream pronouncements. The sub-regional and regional networks can sift through the massive loads of information that are plied with jargon, acronyms and specialised technical knowledge and try to focus on the essential issues and their ramifications. Added to this are the political machinations and changes in course of direction. Discernment skill capability is not commonly held. Here the regional and sub regional organisations can play the role. It is a role of communication not decision-making. It is facilitating and communicating the informed decision-making that could be happening on the local level. We say that the sub-regional and regional networks can do this but only when sufficiency resourced for such role, which at this time they are not. They have been carrying this role for several years now (since 2008), supported through some contractual and other partnerships with mainstream partners and through volunteerism. There are some basic foundation on which TOs can build up their knowledge and communications about 'Country', including Cultural Planning and Country Based Planning. Support in advancing these processes is also a prime recommendation deriving from our summit meetings and on-ground engagement. Strong TO engagement in these processes will empower decision-making and commitment. This needs to happen at the local TO organisational level. Empowerment TOs are being asked to sanction and opinion over a huge range of issues. Currently this is not decision- making but rather being asked for input that may or may not be utilised in the end. Being aware of this marginality means lessening of commitment to the task. Perpetuating this situation means acting disingenuously. The primary role of the sub-regional and regional organisations, identified by the surveys and following summits, is in communication. This is at three levels: I. Between TO organisations themselves II. Communication to a sub and regional Indigenous level III. Communication to regional, state and national mainstream stakeholder agencies and government All layers of this communication need to be significantly resourced. The role of sub-regionals and regional organisations in facilitation of information and coordination of attendance can be crucial. It will need to be funded. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 107 Working through the governance structures TOs and PBC s / RNTBCs have a legal right and obligation to manage native title lands. It is difficult to make overall decisions that hold for all interest groups in an area when key stakeholders, such as RAP TOs, are seriously disadvantaged. The previous studies and forums and the current on-ground engagement that have sought to bring forward the 'voice' of Bama into CNRM management are quite clear but the objectives and strategies to achieve the goals have not been funded and acted upon. This very much affects the heart of the issue of engagement of Bama in decision-making. The overall effects will not be great unless some of Bama 'cultural values' are integrated with wider understanding and adoption by other stakeholders on 'Country'. It is clear that Traditional Owners seek clear recognition and management rights about lands recognised under the Native Title Act. Progress in this is slow. What ideally should be a clear-cut process is not. Most of the native title organisations are ‘getting on their feet’ organisationally and across internal matters let alone external relationships. The relevant Traditional Owners can often reside 'off-country'. In some places across the Wet Tropics areas remain disputed across different tribal groups and structures. Larger mainstream projects overlap different tribal identity. The North Queensland Land Council and the Cape York Land Council are Native Title Representative Bodies with native title role supporting Traditional Owner groups in this area. Requests for decisions relating to particular sites, places and 'Country' can go through them. The very best arrangement is for mainstream parties to maintain strong relationship with the governance structures at all levels local, subregional, regional and wider (eg. the NTRBs), particularly cognisant of the responsible native title structures. Engaging with Traditional Owner networks is a complex picture for mainstream, same as engaging with mainstream conservation, government, academic etc networks is a complex picture for Traditional Owners. Refer Enabler Three above. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 108 E. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Performance Indicators should be: 1. Observable by Rainforest Aboriginal peoples on the ground 2. Relevant to Traditional Owners’ needs 3. Seen against timelines 4. Measureable Such line of inquiry wasn’t deliberately pursued during the on-ground engagement nor at the Booran Gathering, other than Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ overwhelming feedback about their frustration with a seeming lack of progressing the aspirations developed in the Bama Plan and planned for implementation through the Regional Agreement. Frustrations are also fuelled by the challenges Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ feel in implementing and making best use of native title determinations, managing their country, and being involved in decision making impacting country and culture. The Wet Tropics Rainforest Alliance Peoples' 2013 CNRM Consultation report has some indications of performance indicators: p.73 Recommendation number 2 "Every Rainforest Aboriginal tribal group (and clans for Yidinji) should be assisted to have in place their Country Based CNRM Plans for managing culture, country (lands, waters and seas) and the capacity of kin (people) to do this. These local Traditional Owner plans and the Bama {Plan (and the NRM Plan) are interconnected." p.71: 'Progressing the interests identified in the Bama Plan' • Information and accountability back to Traditional Owners • Actions and implementation • Traditional Owner engagement Traditional Owner organisations can develop the capacity to know what is happening on their lands and to monitor progress that is for the benefit of local Traditional Owners. Their work can be to keep informed all the Traditional Owners of their identity group about what is and is not happening on 'Country'. Until Country Based Plans and Culture Mapping have been progressed for each Tribal Area, there cannot be a thorough assessment and accountability with suitably identified performance indicators for many matters of concern to Rainforest Aboriginal peoples. The 'Performance Indicators' for each Native Title area will be an integral part of this local planning. In the meantime we can only put forward tentative and general 'performance indicators' that have the characteristics of being observable by Traditional Owners on their country and being easily measured and issues identified in the on-ground engagement lines of inquiry, Booran gathering and the RAP 2014-15 project that are prioritised by Rainforest Aboriginal peoples. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 109 Theme 1. Promoting and Protecting our Culture and Heritage • Effective implementation and functioning of a Wet Tropics Country and Culture Bama Research Knowledge Management Bank Stream principally involving a robust, partnerships based and enduring database for ensuring that Traditional Owners capture valuable cultural information to pass on to existing and future generations. The bank informs the requisite legislated Wet Tropics WHA Management Plan for Aboriginal cultural values, the regional NRM Plan, tropical ecosystem research and enable cultural tourism and other regional development enterprises. The stream includes the RAP knowledge centre network and progress and support for 'Cultural Mapping' for each Rainforest Aboriginal identity group (in the FNQ region). • Progressive increase in the number of supported and sustained language programs for each Rainforest Aboriginal language family group Kuku Yalanji, Djabugandji, Yidinjdji, Djirbalngan, Mbabaram, Warrgamaygan and Nyawaygi. • Integrated approaches across the culture, NRM and arts sectors and structures throughout the Wet Tropics region and employment of Traditional Owners in culture related projects, business and management. Theme 2. Looking after Rainforest Country and Conservation Areas • Effective implementation and functioning of the Wet Tropics Country and Culture Bama On- ground Contracting Stream building sustainable livelihoods for Traditional Owner groups through land management, tourism and other contracting and partner economic opportunities. On-ground contracting combines the on-ground activities within the Regional Wet Tropics agenda that is currently being supported by The Cairns Institute, Regional Development Australia FNQ&TS and Terrain Natural Resource Management (NRM). There are on-ground contracting established in the Southern and Northern hubs of the Wet Tropics, the organisations of whom formally agree regional priority to ensure north to south continuity through addressing the current gap in the central area. A sustainable livelihoods mechanism involves a) capitalising on opportunities through three on-ground work groups contracting and partnering with government, community and private sector land managers eg. vegetation, tourism, waterways, feral pests and weeds, cyclone recovery and readiness, b) progressing the regional agenda through a north plus central plus south demand and supply contracting and partnering coordinators, and c) ensuring equitably balanced development across the region north, central and south. • Coverage and sustainable implementation of Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ Country Based Plans including native title, ILUAs and equitable relationships with mainstream parties and Traditional Owner involvement in decision making impacting country. • Number of Rainforest Aboriginal peoples employed in Traditional Owner and mainstream NRM projects, including rangers. Theme 3. Managing Reef and Rainforest Waters As well as those indicators listing under Theme 2, • Progress in 'Cultural Mapping' and identification of needs and strategies for all waterways for each Rainforest Aboriginal identified group and local and subregional area, and across the Wet Tropics region. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 110 Theme 4. Planning and Acting for the Future • One main issue in the Planning theme is about Traditional Owner planning for country and culture. The indicators would be the number, effectiveness of implementation, and local to regional effectiveness of Country Based Planning. • The second main issue in the Planning theme is about Traditional Owner considerations and involvement in decision making related to mainstream planning developments impacting Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ country and culture. The indicators would reflect these aspects. Theme 5. Benefitting Economically • The indicators have to directly relate to the “big picture” issue of the extent to which Rainforest Aboriginal peoples are benefitting economically from country and culture. Secondly, to the extent to which Rainforest Aboriginal peoples are integrated across the Wet Tropics region economy and industries. Both of these aspects play out at individual, family, extended family and Rainforest Aboriginal group level, as well as collectively across the region, and at local and sub-regional levels. The indicators would include the extent of jobs and livelihood opportunities for Rainforest Aboriginal peoples in a. Cultural and environmental governance and administration eg. jobs in PBCs, subregional bodies, regional bodies, government departments b. Cultural and environmental management eg. rangers, IPA, working on country jobs c. Community development eg. planning and construction jobs for community infrastructure and housing d. Business and enterprise development eg. self-employment and jobs in small and large businesses e. Research and education eg. jobs in research and education and related businesses and services f. Royalties and levies Refer Theme 2 regarding the Wet Tropics Country and Culture Bama On-ground Contracting Stream. • The number of Bama owned and directed sustainable business enterprises progressed per period (year) • Value of payments ($) made to Traditional Owner groups derived from Rainforest country. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 111 Enabler 1. Participation by our Traditional Owners • Effective implementation and functioning of a Wet Tropics Country and Culture Bama Leadership Capacity Strengthening Program Stream addressing the skewed bell curve across our 80 Traditional Owner legal entities by assessing and systematically addressing leadership capacity building needs across entities and identities, and where applicable, enhancing administrative support and ongoing mentoring to our organisations. This program enhances and builds cooperative relationships across the region’s a. or 8 language family groups, 20 tribal groups / 24 identity groups, ~ 120 RAP -warra and -barra locality groups, ~ 600 Traditional Owner extended families and ~ 20,000 Rainforest Aboriginal persons b. 80 RAP legal entities including Prescribed Body Corporates, Land Trusts, Cultural Heritage Bodies, companies, including 2 Land Council NRTBs, the sub-regional RAP bodies – Girringun in the south, Yalanji in the north, CWTICCAC in the centre • Number of Rainforest Aboriginal persons living on 'country', and number of Traditional Owners directly involved in management decision making for their 'Country' • Levels of program and operational funding for Traditional Owner organisations across local, subregional and regional levels. • Also refer Theme 1 regarding the Wet Tropics Country and Culture Bama Research Knowledge Management Bank Stream, and the Themes 2 and 3 Wet Tropics Country and Culture Bama On-ground Contracting Stream and Country Based Planning (including Theme 4). Enabler 2. Managing our Knowledges • Refer Theme 1 regarding the Wet Tropics Country and Culture Bama Research Knowledge Management Bank Stream and language and culture programs, and Themes 2, 3 and 4 Country Based Planning. • The number and range of Rainforest Aboriginal led research, Rainforest Aboriginal involvement in decision making about and engagement in mainstream research drawing from and or impacting Rainforest country, and or Rainforest Aboriginal culture and people. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 112 Enabler 3. Coordinated Investment Partnerships • The number and success and sustainability of Bama and mainstream partnerships with and across a. Cultural and NRM-related NGOs, especially the Terrain regional NRM body and also with neighbouring NRM bodies, catchment area and conservation groups, and culture related networks b. Government, especially the lead agencies impacting country, culture and people incl the two world heritage management bodies (WTMA and GBRMPA), the 11 local government authorities, the State and Commonwealth agencies, and including whole- of-government approaches c. The research community including special partnerships such as that with The Cairns Institute, James Cook and other Universities, and research institutes d. Commerce and industry including tourism sector and National Park users, business groups including Chambers of Commerce, and regional development networks e. Domestic and international visitors and residents. • The extent of functional assistance to Rainforest Aboriginal peoples’ organisations. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 113 APPENDIX ONE – THE ZONE REPORTS ONE AREA TRIBAL IDENTITIES Zone 1 Daintree – Wujal Wujal Yalanji Eastern Zone 2 Douglas – Mosman Gorge Yalanji Eastern Zone 3 – Greater Cairns Area – Cairns / Djabugay Kuranda / Yarrabah Djabugay Bulwai Gunggandji Gunggandji Gurabana Yidinji Gulgiburra Yidinyi Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Malanbarra Yidinji Mandingalbay Yidinji Wanyurr Majay Yirriganydji Zone 4 – Mareeba Mbarbaram Yalanji Western / Sunset Muluridji Djabugay Djabugay Bulwai Zone 5 – Russell Mulgrave Rivers / Gordonvale Yidinji Yidinji Gulgiburra Yidinyi Gimuy Walubarra Yidinji Malanbarra Yidinji Mandingalbay Yidinji Wanyurr Majay Gunggandji Gunggandji Gurabana Zone 6 – Southern Tablelands – Atherton / Ngadjon Jii Ravenshoe Jirrbal Zone 7 – Lower Johnstone / Innisfail Mamu Zone 8 – Upper Herbert – Mt Garnet Mbarbaram Warungu Zone 9 – Tully / Cardwell Djiru Girramay Gulnay Zone 10 – Hinchinbrook / Ingham Nywaigi Warungu Warrgamay Wulgurukaba Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 114 TERRAIN ZONE 1 – Daintree River North To Annan River There were just two respondees specifically connected to this country. Their organisational associations are with Jabalbina, Apunipima and Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Alliance. RAP here identify as Eastern Yalanji. Numbers in brackets ( ) show the number of interviewees giving the response in the 2014 on- ground engagement. Others unnumbered are lone comments. A. VISION, VALUES, PRIORITIES Theme 1 – Promoting and protecting our culture and heritage • World relisting, WHA • Regional showcase – museums / galleries • Promote each other • We protect our country by going back to country Cultural Practice and Access to Country Language Maintenance Funding for Country Site Protection / Protection of cultural sites Governance / Strong Organisations Businesses and Culture Sharing How these aspirations or hopes can be achieved • No comments recorded specifically against these matters World heritage listing of "cultural values" • Our people have always gone back to country to practice our ways. This has been happenings for generations • Jabalbina Cultural Heritage Plan and Database. Elder Groups & Men & Women’s groups passing on culture & practices • Our people do this locally. Does it really need others involved? • Engagement needs to be more often to build up relationships • Endorsement of IHP papers by wide range of WT Bama groups, so it can be put to the Australian Govt by statutory authority Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 115 Theme 2. Looking after rainforest country and conservation areas • Ranger programs • IPA • Signage • We need to keep weeds out. • Securing our sacred sites from outsiders. Going back to Country / Access Work on Country Site Protection • No comment recorded specifically against these matters Theme 3. Managing reef and rainforest waters • Managing our waterways is the major issue in my mind • Farmers/tourists and others do not respect our waters • Some places we need to lock up and only allow our people to use • Marine and land Rangers with compliance powers, not just token rangers Management Restrict Access Clean Up Waterways • No comment recorded specifically recorded against these matters Theme 4. Planning and acting for the future • We need to plan for our kids • Unsure if this is happening on my country, probably is The Bama Plan and NRM Planning • Has not heard of plans but would be involved if invited • Bama / TO plans to be lead plans • Terrain Indig NRM be in the hands of Bama • Setting a precedent of empowering Bama to continue land management in the ways that the ancestors have passed on and why this region is as pristine now Theme 5. Benefitting economically • There are ways to make a living off our country and still protect it • We need to convert all government jobs like rangers to ours and develop businesses that sustain our families' country • Fee for service considered before consultation • Tourism / hospitality and training owned by family corporation • Gain contracts from Department and agencies • Empower Bama Derived from Country Jobs for Bama Leadership from Elders Business Support • No comment recorded specifically against these matters Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 116 Enabler One - Participation by our Traditional Owners • Our TO’s know what to do • If we follow our elders we can’t go wrong • Involvement at family, local, regional state, federal and international levels • This is often misused if known by outsiders • Cultural Heritage management plan and database • Elder groups guiding ranger plans and passing on knowledge Requirements of Assistance and Support to bring this about Local level assistance and self-support • Local know-how to do it but need help to make it sustainable • Stand together to move forward Hub / northern, central and southern sub-regional level assistance and support • We need their support • JYAC & WYAC inform each of issues at Board levels Regional level assistance and support • Recognition of Bama land management, research and tourism industries • We need their support • Stand together to make a stronger voice and respect Elders who made agreements State and National level assistance and support • Bring to task Australian Government when charters/declarations not being adhered to • Land and Sea management contracts • Tourism opportunities • Personal TO business opportunities • Construction contract opportunities • IPA Steering Committee – Local, State and Federal Governments • Regional councils x 3 • WTMA, GBRMPA, Dept of Fisheries, PM&C, DERM International level assistance and support • As long as we get our fair share • Equal standing, respect for roles and responsibilities. Good relationships. Same focus The Future • Short term funding - we need longer term funding say 10 years • Planning has worked well, nobody implements plans • Governance is breaking down due to non-performance of middle management and weak members on the Board Relationships with Other Stakeholders Research and Academic Sector Local Government State and National Government Support Environmental Protection Education, State and Local Schools Business Engagement • No comment recorded specifically against these matters Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 117 Enabler Two - Managing our knowledges • We need help as long as we are driving it • IPA steering committee • Ranger programs • This (Traditional Knowledge) is often misused if known by outsiders • Cultural Heritage management plan and database • Elder groups guiding ranger plans and passing on knowledge Passing on to next generation / Knowledge and Land / Language Revival / Preservation Strategies / Social Awareness • No comment recorded specifically against these matters Enabler Three - Coordinated investment partnerships • We need support to run our businesses and get funding for rangers, managing weeds etc. • Economic development – sustainable living on country / Tourism involvement by more Bama / Research – recognition of TO scientists with cultural knowledge. Fee for service Bama to be in Control Cooperation Required Successful Partnerships • No comment recorded specifically against these matters B. CONCERNS, ISSUES, BLOCKERS AND ENABLERS Cultural Practice and Access Going back to Country / Restrict Access to Country Access Clean Up Waterways Culture Maintenance and Site Protection Planning Positive Future Revival Conservation and Funding The Next Generation Regeneration Social Strategies derived Language Maintenance Proper Land Management from Country Access to Country and Education Jobs for Bama Businesses and Culture Need for More Rangers Business Support Sharing Management by Bama Leadership from Elders No barriers and enablers were specifically recorded C. DECISION MAKING POINTS OF CONTACT It is the protocol of the RAP north, central and south decision making quorum to recommend first point and ongoing contact with the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) organisational as holders of Native Title claims in each traditional area. These bodies hold both Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Native Title and are eligible to make further claims under the Native Title process coordinated in this region by the North Queensland Land Council. Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) is the Registered Native Title Body Corporate, the Land Trust, the Registered Cultural Heritage body and the sub regional organisation that draws together all clan groups in this northern hub area. JYAC can offer services, advice and support for mainstream networks and fee for service is an appropriate engagement. They will direct decision making to the proper people for specific localities. This is not to forget that there are also a number of non native title TO organisations that strongly represent families and special interests and these bodies should always be treated with respect and heard. Several of these are in Agreement relationship with JYAC. Thus the key approach in this northern hub area is well facilitated through JYAC. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 118 There are sometimes numbers of competing claims still to undergo due process and these outstanding matters leave some groups in contention which affects personal and public relations. Knowledge of these circumstances and different parties is necessary when trying to advance NRM programs in a particular situation. There are a number of important and outstanding matters regarding native title determination in the border area with Cairns region. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 119 TERRAIN ZONE 2 - Wangetti, north to Daintree River There were thirty responders specifically connected to this country. RAP all identified as Eastern Kuku Yalanji with some cross identification with Gunggandji and Djabugay. Their organisational associations are with Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC), Burungu Aboriginal Corporation (which is in agreement relationship with JYAC), Yalanjiwarra Julunji Marrjanga Aboriginal Corporation and Goobidi Housing Co-op. A few also are residents of Yarrabah and belong to the Women's Elders Group. Numbers in brackets ( ) show the number of interviewees giving similar responses in the 2014 on-ground engagement. Others unnumbered are lone comments. A. VISION, VALUES, PRIORITIES Theme 1. Promoting and protecting our culture and heritage Cultural Practice and Access to Country • More culture days and nights and camping that includes story telling • I want my country still there for my kids – they need to be able to go there when they want • A place to practise our ways • Make sure culture doesn’t dry out Culture Maintenance and Language • We need to preserve our elders ways and document them • Maintain culture • Training young ones • Database to record stories and sacred sites • Family to be taken back to learn about cultural values • Need a linguist to teach language • Language needs to be incorporated into the school curriculum (4) • Need full on recording of stories, sites etc. • Protect culture to ensure it is not lost – this includes language Access to Country • More access to our lands – we are locked out from our lands by freeholders. (8) • We need access to our gravesites and cultural sites (8) • We have restricted access to our country and waterfalls – how can we protect it when we can’t go back and practice our culture? • Less regulation to assist us to have access • Need to manage our cultural sites and get better access to our land • Does not know much about Natural resource management. Going back to Country / Working on Country • We are going back to country • Would be good to have more structures on country • We protect our country by going back to country Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 120 • We need to get back to country – in doing this we will practise our culture and preserve it • We need proper rangers with power to enforce the Acts like QPWS rangers. Rangers should be from that country too. Employ more people to work on country. (3) Site Protection / Protection of Cultural Sites • China Camp women's place needs better management and protection • Roaring Meg, a sacred women’s area, and other sacred sites to be left alone, not to be touched • Mossman community grave sites – running out of room • Businesses and Culture Sharing • Operating Aboriginal tours teaching and showing visitors our country to give them a better understanding of our connection to bubu • Need to do cultural tours • World relisting, WHA • Regional showcase – museums / galleries • Promote each other (Bama rainforest mob) • Transparency from external organisations on their objectives eg. researchers World Heritage and Cultural Values • Our people have always gone back to country to practise our ways - this has been happening for generations • Jabalbina Cultural Heritage Plan and Database • Elder groups & men & women’s groups passing on culture & practices • Our people do this locally – does it really need others involved? • Engagement needs to be more often to build up relationships • Endorsement of the RAP’s Cultural Values project papers by wide range of Bama groups, so it can be put to the Australian Government by the statutory authority and supporters. Governance and Working Together - No comment specifically recorded against these matters Theme 2. Looking After rainforest country and conservation areas Going back to Country / Access • More houses on our lands (6) • We would love to go back to country but can’t get access / We need access to our land / We need access to our country as well. Some still don’t have full access. Site Protection • We need to protect our cultural sites both men and women (6) • Yalanji – IPA and work in accord to this and involved in cleaning up sites (2) • Also securing our sacred sites from outsiders • We need to protect sacred sites and places – we need to cut off access to women and men’s business sites; too many people going in here (4) • Need rangers at China Camp • Motor bikes are a problem going China Camp / motor bikes a problem • Gates need to be used, lands need to be better repaired form mining • Bama to manage country, Bama permission needs to be sought • Graveyard needed Conservation and Preservation • We need real rangers managing our country / Ranger programs • We need programs to protect the country like eradicate weeds and pests, build walking tracks, camping areas etc. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 121 • We need to do weeds and feral animals / We need to keep weeds out / We need funds to manage weeds and pest on our country (2) • We need funds to manage weeds and pest on our country, on land (3) • More inclusion and consultation with Indigenous people when any issues arise / More communications with elders / workers • IPA • Signage Management in Bama Hands; Work on Country - No comment specifically recorded against these matters Theme 3. Managing reef and rainforest waters Management by Bama • Managing our waterways is the major issue in my mind • We have some pristine waters but they are being polluted by others – we need to have more control over this • As traditional hunter it is always important to manage and watch and report any incidents and bad practices that can affect waterways • Keep waters clean to save for younger generation • Protect waters – utilise rangers • Be on the land • Keeping our creeks clean and knowledge • Look after our turtles • There are lots of fish in the swimming hole. Restrict Access and Protect • Block off access to our creeks and waterfalls to tourists and tourism operators (7) • Yes we need to maintain our waterways; people don’t respect the environment / Managing our water is important. Others don’t respect it • Too much development and cropping right next to our creeks and rivers and it damages them. Not to mention pesticides and by product • Need to protect our waterways from tourists and operators ruining our sites (4) • Our waterways are being destroyed by overuse • Stop tourism from outsiders • Marine and land rangers with compliance powers, not just token rangers • Concerned about the impact of mining on country • Farmers/tourists and others do not respect our waters • Some places we need to lock up and only allow our people to use • Stop trawlers coming close • Stop dredging. Clean Up Waterways No comment recorded Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 122 Theme 4. Planning and acting for the future Planning Positive Futures • We need to plan for our kids (3) • We need more planning for our children’s children (3) • We need long term planning. • We need support to plan for the future • Planning is good but we need to protect what we got now. The Bama Plan and NRM Planning • Has not heard of plans but would be involved if invited • Bama / TO plans to be lead plans • Terrain Indigenous NRM be in the hands of Bama • Setting a precedent of empowering Bama to continue land management in the ways that the Ancestors have passed on and why this region is as pristine now • Be on the land (is the best plan) (3) • Planning has worked well, but partners don’t implement plans • Cannot comment (4) Theme 5. Benefitting economically Derived from Country • There are ways to make a living off our country and still protect it / We need to find ways to make a living of our land so we can protect it (2) • Fee for service considered before consultation • Have a cultural centre before Roaring Meg Able to go to China Camp but no employment • Need to set up a horticultural business at Buru • Need to do cultural tours. • Tourism • Hospitality and training owned by family corporation • Research tourism opportunities for local Bama • Research “medicinal” use of our native plants • We need to convert all government jobs like rangers to ours and develop businesses which sustain our families country • Gain contracts from Department and agencies. Business Support • Empower Bama • We need support businesses and getting jobs (2) • We need businesses on our country to be free of government Negative Impacts • Cannot go up or down stream on Mossman River, have been stopped because of Silky Oaks Lodge • Traditional fishing and hunting activities stopped, these activities include spearing and diving – because of tourists we can only go weekends • We need to look for more funding to get more jobs for our mob • No public transport and work available. Jobs for Bama No comment recorded Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 123 Enabler One – Participation by our Traditional Owners Leadership from Elders • Our TO’s know what to do • If we follow our elders we can’t go wrong • Take charge and drive any activities on our country (9) • We just need to care for the land and it will look after us • Our elders know what to do / It all starts with our elders and local leaders – we all need to support them • Elders assisting with camps and language classes • Resurrect the culture days with the local school students • Culture nights (youth reviving language) • We need the community to take charge • Work together in a respectful way • Stand together to move forward • Starts with our elders. Needs for Sustainability • Need more jobs created to do all these things • Locals know what they want but need support from elsewhere (3) • Locals know how to do it but need help to make it sustainable • Give us the knowledge and know-how to do what we need • Assistance to fund management of country • Own people should assist through jobs • Need to be independent but need the assistance of governments and other organisations like Jabalbina and Burungu • Support from Yalanji Bama to assist in recording and managing bubu • Need a linguist to teach language (4) • In the future, local Yalanji corporations • I have support from family and other tourism operators and Australia with marketing support • Elders expressed that Buru should have own CDEP rather than being under Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council. Enabling Factors No comment specifically recorded Requirements of Assistance and Support to bring this about Local level assistance and self-support • Take charge and drive any activities on our country (9) • It all starts with our elders and local leaders – we all need to support them / We need the community to take charge / Stand together to move forward / Work together in a respectful way / Own people should assist through jobs • Local speakers to work with a linguist to teach Yalanji language (4) • In the future local Yalanji corporations’ assistance to fund management of country • Need to be independent but need the assistance of governments and other organisations like Jabalbina and Burungu • Governance is breaking down due to non-performance of middle management and weak members on the Board Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 124 Hub / northern, central and southern sub-regional level assistance and support Networking Information • Networking with other groups / This includes training, information / Spread the word of good news Support Getting Funds • They need to support us and help find money for our projects and businesses • We need them to support the locals; this includes training, information and funding • We need them to support the locals but also spread the word of good news and funding • They need to support us and help find money for our projects and businesses (9) • Short term funding - we need longer term funding, say 10 years Organisational Support • They need to support us to build ourselves up (3) / We need their support / We need support to make it happen / We need their know-how and support to get some things moving (3) Other Needs in expertise and skills • To also assist in training tour guides and rangers • Need a linguist to teach language • JYAC & WYAC inform each of issues at Board levels • Recognition of Bama land management, research and tourism industries / we need their support • Stand together to make a stronger voice and respect elders who made (the original) agreements. State and National level assistance and support • Long term funding • Bring to task Australian Government when Charters/Declarations not being adhered to • Land and sea management contracts that will employ TOs • Tourism opportunities • Construction contract opportunities • Personal TO business opportunities • IPA Steering Committee – Local, State and Federal Governments, Regional councils x 3 of, WTMA, GBRMPA, Dept. of Fisheries, PM&C, DERM. International level assistance and support • No comment recorded Relationships with Other Stakeholders General Public Conservation, Cultural and NRM NGOs Research and Academic Local Government Environmental Protection Education State and Local Schools Business Engagement Other • No comment recorded Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 125 Enabler Two – Managing our knowledges Difficulties acknowledged • This (Traditional Knowledge) is often misused if known by outsiders • If it gets into the wrong hands it can be distorted and ruined • All those that access this knowledge need to work by our rules • Keep our knowledge to ourselves • Too many people making money off us (3) Passing on to next Generation • With our elders teaching our kids we should be able to sustain our culture into the future • We need to teach culture in the schools so our kids learn respect • Get our elders involved more teaching our kids on country • Also need to teach our kids respect • Need to employ more Bama, cultural values should be maintained and continued by children, need to teach the young children • Priority for Language classes • Language workshops and research • It is very hard – we are keeping knowledge for ourselves yet have the ability to pass it on to others • Always keep in mind our kids • Support cultural practice. Knowledge and Land • Sacred sites kept in close groups • We have to get access to practise our culture to keep it alive (8) • Support cultural practice • Be on the land (3) Preservation Strategies • Documentation – language, writing, parting, yarning etc. • Preservation – museums, libraries, archives (only share knowledge that’s needed) • This is why we need to document our ways to preserve it (3) • Stories need to be recorded • Cultural Heritage management plan and database • Elder groups guiding ranger plans and passing on knowledge • Managing knowledge about RAP country, culture and kin now and into the future. Language Revival Social Awareness • No comment recorded Enabler Three – Coordinated investment partnerships Bama to be in Control • We need help as long as we are driving it (3) • IPA steering committee • Ranger programs • Only if we control the money and the project (9) • A good idea if we still have control • We need transfer of skills from external to our people • We need our share of any partnership and it needs to be true • Be on the land (3) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 126 Co-operation Required • Bama to build partnerships to assist and support each other • Resource sharing to support individuals to prospective organisations • To develop my business to grow and employ family and other Bama • We need help to get our businesses right and run things properly (2) • Linguist in schools (3) • Two groups of rangers now - we need more rangers • We need support to help us deliver for our families • These need to be true partnerships • Despite all the barriers we are going back to country. Negative Aspects Evident and to be Overcome • More often, too many people are gammon and take over (9) • We get the “crumbs” / "We always lose out" (3) / We do not see the benefit in this • I haven’t seen many that work so I am yet to be convinced that there is such a thing • Don’t know of any partnership that has served our people well (3) • Our people can do it on their own and have been doing so for years (2) • Governance is breaking down due to non-performance of middle management and weak members on the Board • Within tourism industry in regards to barriers, EPA and Government restricting and trying to get Bama to pay fees and permits for sharing and showing our bubu. Funding • We need projects/funding now (9) • Funding for more black rangers • This includes jobs for our people • Rangers to protect our trees / Re-planting of native trees • Junior Ranger programs Future Partnerships • We need support to run our businesses and get funding for rangers, managing weeds etc. • Economic development – sustainable living on country / Tourism involvement by more Bama • Research – recognition of TO scientists with cultural knowledge. • Fee for service • In a respectful manner • National Parks, councils – good partnerships / Keep the current partnership working well, even through staff changes. Good working with Land Council too • Audit on number of black workers and see how we can improve on this number • Proposed ventures nominated: nursery, tourism, arts and crafts, local products, construction contracts opportunities Did not comment (8) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 127 B. CONCERNS, ISSUES, BLOCKERS AND ENABLERS Cultural Practice Power to restrict access in Indigenous NRM be in the Bama hands hands of Bama Culture Maintenance Site Protection Long term Planning Language Maintenance and Revival Businesses Development Plans need implementation Empowerment of Elders Jobs and Economic Benefits Long Term Funding Access to Country Conservation and Barriers and enablers not Preservation commented on here Going back to Country Management by Bama C. DECISION MAKING POINTS OF CONTACT It is the protocol of the RAP north, central and south decision making quorum to recommend first point and ongoing contact with the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) organisations as holders of Native Title claims in respectively determined traditional areas. These bodies hold both Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Native Title and are eligible to make further claims under the Native Title process coordinated in this region by the North Queensland Land Council. Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) is the Registered Native Title Body Corporate, the Land Trust, the Registered Cultural Heritage body and the sub regional organisation that draws together all clan groups in this northern hub area. They will direct decision making to the proper people for specific localities. This is not to forget that there are also a number of non native title TO organisations that can strongly represent families and special interests and these bodies should always be treated with respect and heard. Several of these are in Agreement relationship with JYAC; thus the key approach in this northern hub area still needs to be through JYAC. There are sometimes numbers of competing claims still to undergo due process and these outstanding matters leave some groups in contention which affects personal and public relations. Knowledge of these circumstances and different parties is necessary when trying to advance NRM programs in a particular situation. There are a number of important and outstanding matters regarding native title determination in the border area with Cairns region. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 128 TERRAIN ZONE 3 - Greater Cairns - north to Wangetti, south to Edmonton (includes Yarrabah), west to Kuranda There were fifty-one responders specifically connected to this country. RAP variously identified as Gunggandji from the eat, Djabugay from the west and Yidinji from the south – all converging on the centre Cairns area. Also Yirriganydji and various clan groups as Gimuy Walubarra, Wanyurr Majay, Bulwai, Mandingalbay, Gurabana, Dulabed, Gulgiburra are mentioned. Yidinji Clan groups (eg. Gimuy Walubarra, Wanyurr Majay, Mandingalbay, Dulabed) extend into Zone Areas 4 and 5 in the west (Tablelands) and further south (Russell/Mulgrave). Bulwai (Djabugay) extend to Mareeba area in the west. Traditional Owners would recommend to Terrain NRM more specific breakdown of this Terrain Zone. Because of the TO context, we would recommend • Cairns North to Kuranda to Wangetti could be an area in its own right; • Gordonvale to Yarrabah should also be an area in its own right; • thus you’d have better concept of CNRM in the ‘inner’ Cairns area from Trinity Inlet including Edmonton to the ranges in the west to Cairns north to the Barron River. Numbers in brackets ( ) show the number of interviewees giving the response in the 2014 on-ground engagement. Others unnumbered are lone comments. A. VISION, VALUES, PRIORITIES Theme 1. Promoting and protecting our culture and heritage Cultural Practice and Access to Country • All parts of culture are important (3) • We do this when we go on country / We live on country so practise it all the time • Happen on country / Like to see this happen on country • Passing on cultural knowledge through elders and holders of knowledge from past elders. Culture Maintenance and Revival • All are important • Document keeping for art, language and story by books, videos, dvds and photos • Cultural values need to be preserved and need to look at ways of doing this • Need to preserve culture, sea, land and heritage through TO in collaboration with other key stakeholders • More culture days and nights and camping that includes story telling • More respect for elders – this will lead to protection of our culture and heritage • Maintains a good understanding of local culture and heritage • There needs to be a cultural venue to teach and pass on local cultural knowledge and awareness • Record and document rainforest stories • Record and document sacred sites including women & men’s areas (2) • Preservation of culture Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 129 • Elders being central to passing on cultural knowledge • Ongoing talking circles to share cultural knowledge • Teach cultural activities to children in schools • Would like to see culture and heritage documented and recorded • Cultural preservation through cultural activities in school, cultural centre to conduct cultural activities • Recognition of Yirriganydji as TO for that area • The Next Generation • Wants to see culture alive for the next generations (2) • The kids are our future • Involve children in culture training to pass on • Has to be handed down to next generations • Write our stories that have been passed down – a project for the future • Lore tells us who we are and needs to be passed down • Activity centre for children • I want the empowerment of our people, particularly young ones • Would like to see more cultural activities and teachings being done with children • Youth need to be involved in learning culture and boundaries • All culture and heritage needs to continue and should never die out. Language Maintenance • Preservation of language, sacred sites and animals • Involve Bama in anything that is to do with language and country • Family getting involved in learning language • Maintenance of Gunggandji language • Support local research to record and document elders • More language/music/cultural activities in school • Keep language strong and not to be mixed up (pronunciation should be correct) • Djabugay language needs to be taught in writing • Need to hear, talk and write. Access to Country • Transparency from external organisations on their objectives e.g.researchers (8) • If we go back to Country we will maintain and protect it • The issue is getting there on Country • Going back to Country • Actively engaged in learning about country, culture and kin through older family members • I want my country still there for my kids, they need to be able to go there when they want • A place to practice our ways. Site Protection • Cairns Regional Council and Queensland State need to start implementing Sections 25 and 26 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act – duty of care and Cultural Heritage Management Plan • Protect sacred sites and continue to practice our customs when visiting our country • We pass on history and practices wherever we go our to country • Protection of cultural sites • Protect cultural sites especially story places • Protection and preservation of former Mona Mona mission • Working in partnership with others to raise concerns about the need to protect women’s sacred areas, to maintain and share with other women and help retain old values • Protecting RAP culture and heritage • Would like to see all happen, would like to see all sites managed properly • Need help recording stories. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 130 Businesses and Culture Sharing • Need a cultural centre – somewhere to do activities, arts and craftwork • Educate public that Bama live there and to respect their culture, cultural values and the ground on which they walk • Sharing knowledge. World Heritage and Cultural Values - No comment recorded Theme 2. Looking after rainforest country and conservation areas Going back to Country / Access • All are important • Continue to maintain Country regardless of programs in place or not • Live on (Native Title) land in order to look after land • Like to see this happen on Country • We able to access our Country and return it to the way it used to be; these should create jobs for our people. • We need access to our land first • Hold gatherings to bring people together to discuss and explore ideas about TO aspirations and the protection, management and planning on Country • Want to manage the National Parks. Site Protection • Preservation of Star (scar?) Trees in Yarrabah / Stop cutting down our native fruit trees / Identifying and protecting native plants/animals (e.g. scar tree) (3) • Wants to see everything protecting on Country especially significant sites (2) • Need to protect our cultural sites • No point protecting Country if our heritage sites and natural heritage are disappearing because of development; developers need to accountable for destruction of places and material culture • Protect sacred sites and customs • We got rangers and other programs • Work with Local Government to ensure Traditional Owners are recognised and rights are acknowledged • Signage to display information about country and the importance of its protection. Conservation and Regeneration • Family working together in relation to sea management, getting involved in learning language. • Education – teaching myself and young ones culture • Need rangers and tour guides • Working on the land, bringing the land back to its former glory • Weeds and feral animals eradication • Training – Gunggandji need to be trained in cultural protocols • Need more rangers - need funding assistance from whatever/whoever to increase • Hunting and gathering needs to be monitored – over-kill, Bama taking more than they need • Plant knowledge / need a botanist to teach young • Participation in land management • Ensuring there is adequate support and resources (financial & physical) to implement initiatives • Establish program or business enterprise to manage feral animals • No cutting trees down, this will affect the environment eg. in America where they cut all the trees down, this affected the water. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 131 Proper Land Management and Education • Sites need to be protected • Working on Country needs to be first step to good management • Recording knowledge through taking photographs of the land • Scholarships for land management and conservation • Promote and educate community and visitors on how to better care for Country • Train young Bama to care for Country, to learn the stories to pass on, know Country (where the boundaries are) and the expected behaviours and to know your clan/linguistic group/s are • There needs to be more park management by Bama • Rangers / Bama working with state and federal government, JCU and environment organisations • Voice concerns re environment • Create employment like park management. Need for More Rangers • We need real rangers managing our Country • We need programs to protect the Country like eradicate weeds and pests, build walking tracks, camping areas etc. we need to protect sacred sites and places. • We need access to our Country as well, some still don’t have full access • We need real rangers and programs to help protect our Country • We need Djabagay signage everywhere on our Country • We want real rangers with enforcement powers, QPWS are useless • Would like to see all happen, had rangers but no funding • There is a need for more rangers and expectations of the role • We need more rangers and programs to get rid of weeds and pests • Support rangers to protect and manage country, waterways & coastline • Rangers to control wild pigs and ensure environment is looked after i.e. people removing their rubbish. Theme 3. Managing reef and rainforest waters Management by Bama • We need to have more control over this • Need to protect our cultural sites • Protect sacred sites and customs • We got rangers and other programs • Must look after our waterways. Restrict Access • Too many people don’t respect our waterways • We want real ranger with enforcement powers, QPWS are useless • Need to keep our waters clean and someone has to be responsible in looking after our waters • (Looking after waters) needs to be policed better too • Others are ruining them acting now and for futures. Clean Up Waterways • Waterways – concerned about pollution and the need to clean up foreshore • Keeping our creeks clean and knowledge / Stop trawlers coming close / Stop dredging / Look after our turtles (4) • We have some pristine waters but they are being polluted by others (3) • Wants to see our waters stay as they so the next generations can enjoy as we have done (2) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 132 • Big job to keep our waters pristine • Like to see this happen on country – look at the quality of the Barron River • Would like to see all happen, Barron River is getting dirty • We need to have clean water • Removal of eels needs to be researched as this may affect the water – circle of life • No digging out creeks. Theme 4. Planning and acting for the future Planning Positive Futures • All are important • Planning to start from local level and filter down from the top • Ownership and opportunity to have input • Need to have something in place now to ensure everything is protected for future generations • Need to plan for the future • Planning is good, but we need to protect what we got now (3) • All are important protecting our waters and country is very important so our connection isn’t lost (4) • Want to manage everything to do with our Country • We (RAP Bama) should be looking after Country. Social Strategies • Gatherings like of old to bring people together to discuss and explore ideas about TO aspirations and the protection, management and planning on Country • Indigenous leadership in the school is good, we should keep this going to promote our children to grow up to be leaders in all areas • Somewhere to meet and have well being programs. The Bama Plan and NRM Planning • Cannot comment (4) • Does not know of any plans underway. Theme 5. Benefitting economically Derived from Country • Research tourism opportunities for local Bama • “Medicinal” use of our native plants • We need to find ways to make a living of our land • We need to find ways to make a living of our land so we can protect it • We want to be able to make money off our land just like everyone else does • Where we can, do something good on country where people can pay. Jobs for Bama • For meaningful things to happen for our future – the promise of employment • More resourceful options need to be offered • Jobs with JCU monitoring the reef • TUMRA in place • Would like to more jobs for our local mob – good jobs too / More jobs for us and our kids • No funding for rangers • Funding and information and support for business • Need employment in all areas • Should look at student exchange programmes. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 133 Business Support • All are important • We can benefit from farming turtles for a business • We all want jobs and businesses on our country, tourism, guides, land managers • Using this understanding, start small business making artefacts or establishing tours to take people out to show and/or gather traditional foods • Establish program or business enterprise to manage feral animals • Ensuring there is adequate support and resources (financial & physical) to implement initiatives • stablish program or business enterprise to manage feral animals • It would be good to have some businesses on our country, must be more than rangers. • Training for young people in governance and business administration • Support and opportunities to explore business ideas i.e. physical and financial • Financial support to bring people together • Teaching and promoting the significant cultural values of country through various mediums • TO engaged to preserve native plants i.e. medicinal and other by collecting & growing seeds • Would like to establish boat tours for tourist explaining certain sites, traditional foods, hunting skills etc. • Has business idea that relates to children, however need support to bring this to fruition, including support to undertake study tour to look at similar business venture • Tourism, arts and crafts, paintings to sell to tourists • Own business for our mob to help the environment too • Need finance and support for own business. Negative Impacts • Not too sure about this one – can be good and can be bad. Enabler One – Participation by our Traditional Owners Leadership from Elders • The right TO’s are doing this already / All TO’s know their place / We all know where we are from • Binga Binga (Yalanji for head man) will not work with a mainstream, 21st century, egalitarian, Australian society; the traditional system cannot exist with modern system • Don’t forget where you came from as elders have laid the foundation for the future • Educating our mob that we do have a right • Our elders know the way • We need to rediscover our respect / We do this already • To make decisions and be a part of the decision making • TOs have the courage to speak up when they see things wrong • Keep our practices and make decision of our lands • We are doing this and are very strong. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 134 Requirements of Assistance and Support to bring this about Local level assistance and self-support • Work in partnership with Local Government to develop collaborative responses to relevant issues • More funds to create position for caring for country programs and local organisations to operate (5) • Talking to the people that can help us • Must be informed about everything to do with Country • Would like to run the National Park • TOs should go into the school and teach language in the classroom. Hub / northern, central and southern sub-regional level assistance and support Networking Information • Networking with other groups / This includes training, information / Spread the word of good news • Creating harmony and equity amongst TO identity group entities • Keeping TOs informed Support Getting Funds • They need to support us and help find money for our projects and businesses • We need them to support the locals, this includes training, information and funding • We need them to support the locals but also spread the word of good news and funding • They need to support us and help find money for our projects and businesses (9) • Short term funding - we need longer term funding say 10 years. Organisational Support • They need to support us to build ourselves up (3) / We need their support / We need support to make it happen / We need their know-how and support to get some things moving (3) Specific Needs in expertise and skills named • To also assist in training tour guides and rangers • Need a linguist to teach language • JYAC & WYAC inform each other of issues at Board levels Regional level assistance and support • Recognition of Bama land management, research and tourism industries • We need their support • Stand together to make a stronger voice and respect Elders who made (original) agreements. State and National level assistance and support • Long term funding • Bring to task Australian Government when Charters/Declarations not being adhered to • Land and sea management contracts that will employ TOs • Tourism opportunities • Construction contract opportunities • Personal TO business opportunities • IPA Steering Committee – Local, State and Federal Governments, Regional councils x 3 of, WTMA, GBRMPA, Dept. of Fisheries, PM&C, DERM International level assistance and support • No comment recorded Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 135 Enabler Two – Managing our knowledges Difficulties Acknowledged • It is very hard keeping knowledge for ourselves yet have the ability to pass it on to others • If it gets into the wrong hands it can be distorted and ruined • All those that access this knowledge need to work by our rules • This should be a local task, not for others • With others involved we can not control our knowledge • Does not want to give any knowledge to anyone outside his tribal mob. Passing on to next Generation • This happens anyway / this is done by elders • Need for young ones to gain respect • Youth need to be involved in learning culture • Managing knowledge about RAP country, culture and kin now and into the future Knowledge and Land • Sacred sites kept in close groups • Managing knowledge and RAP country, culture and kin now and into the future – this is being done now • Like to see this happen on country • Bama to drive own research • We do this by practising it • Perhaps our young ones can help preserve our history better • Supports needed for cultural preservation and local land management. Language Revival • Priority – language classes • Documentation – language, writing, parting, yarning etc. • Preservation – museums, libraries, archives • Language – workshops and research (only share knowledge that’s needed). Preservation Strategies • Have more cultural parks or museums where the kids can learn in a fun way • Needs to be run by local mob (2) • Recording sites, stories, cultural values – need financial assistance to set up a central database • We need a leadership program for youth to identify the next leaders • We need a building where we can showcase our culture • Storing plant knowledge / Expressed interest in native plants and food • Establish a Cultural Centre for knowledge to be passed on • We are an evolving culture and I think we must use technology to our advantage, GPS, record our sacred sites and making maps • Photos to watch decay on paintings etc. • We need to keep our culture somehow through recording it. (3) • Good to have families document history and stories from their elders • Books, videos etc. • Set up database to hold Bama information – sacred sites, stories, etc. • Maintain our way of life and our values. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 136 Social Awareness • Have murals/paintings, landmark significant areas, promote RAP culture and heritage in local areas • Work with other groups and share stories • Networking • Keep up cultural activities e.g.: Laura Festival. Enabler Three – Coordinated investment partnerships Bama to be in Control • These are good if done right • Happy to partner as long as all control is with Djabagay. Cooperation Required • Partnership and business with GBRMPA, Wet Tropics, Cairns City Council, Yarrabah Council • Support from all levels • Need to realize they have an obligation to our mob to enhance in all areas of what we want to do on country • We want the same things for our children as they would want for theirs • Need co-ordinated investment partnerships / Need good partners • Bama to build partnerships to assist and support each other / Resource sharing to support individuals to prospective orgs (2) • Working with local businesses to promote RAP Bama culture (3) / Working together • Work in partnership with Local Government to develop collaborative responses to relevant issues • Working with local businesses, tourist groups, like Kuranda Markets • Be friendly with people who have money and they might give us some to help us with Country. Funding • We need funds for governance and running of the organisation, currently being supported by Ngoonbi • Want assistance to set up business ventures (have two in mind) • Need advice and assistance with business plan and finance. Negative Aspects Evident and to be Overcome • I haven’t seen many that work so I am yet to be convinced that there is such a thing / Never seen any that’s worked • Only if our people benefit out of it • If we could find a partner we could trust, this is the hard part • So many will take everything from us and leave us with little • Maybe working with local business – not sure. Future Partnerships • No Comment Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 137 B. CONCERNS, ISSUES, BLOCKERS AND ENABLERS Cultural Practice and Access Going back to Country / Clean Up Waterways to Country Access Planning Positive Futures Culture Maintenance and Site Protection Funding Revival Conservation and Social Strategies The Next Generation Regeneration Derived from Country Language Maintenance Proper Land Management and Education Jobs for Bama Access to Country Need for More Rangers Business Support Businesses and Culture Sharing Management by Bama Leadership from Elders Restrict Access Barriers and enablers not recorded C. DECISION MAKING POINTS OF CONTACT It is the protocol of the RAP north, central and south decision making quorum to recommend first point and ongoing contact with the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) organisations as holders of Native Title in respectively determined traditional areas. These bodies hold both Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Native Title and are eligible to make further claims under the Native Title process coordinated in this region by the North Queensland Land Council. Central Wet Tropics Institute for Culture and Country Aboriginal Corporation is the sub regional hub level organisation that supports groups on-ground in this area. CWTICCAC can offer services, advice and support for mainstream networks and fee for service is an appropriate engagement. They will direct decision making to the proper native title holders and proper people for specific localities and themes. This is not to forget that there are also a number of independent and non-native title holder TO organisations that strongly represent families and special interests and these bodies should always be treated with respect and heard. There are sometimes numbers of competing claims still to undergo due process and these outstanding matters leave some groups in contention which affects personal and public relations. Knowledge of these circumstances and different parties is necessary when trying to advance NRM programs in a particular situation. There are a number of important and outstanding matters regarding native title determination in this Cairns area. This may be seen as deriving from this area being highly urbanised and much land remains alienated from full native title claims under the current Act. CWTICCAC can assist with engagement. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 138 TERRAIN ZONE 4 - Mareeba Region There are twenty-four responders specifically connected to this zone area. RAP variously identified their tribal identities as Western Yalanji, Muluridji, Djabugay Bulwai and Mbabaram. They had cross identities as. Numbers in brackets ( ) show the number of interviewees giving the response in 2014 on- ground engagement. Others unnumbered are lone comments. A. VISION, VALUES, PRIORITIES Theme 1. Promoting and protecting our culture and heritage Cultural Practice and Access to Country • Protecting RAP culture and heritage • Culture maintenance and revival, the next generation • All are important (3) • Restore cultural values to what it was before • Younger people to participate / understand culture / Need programs/training for young people in learning culture • Like to see this happen on country • Getting out on country (younger ones) and learning from elders • Share ideas with others • Play a major role in ensuring language and culture is passed on. Language Maintenance • All are important. Reviving language • More language/music/cultural activities in school Working with Education • Teach our history in these places. Need to teach our language in school • Teach our languages in schools (6) • Teach our languages and history in school. (7) • We are living history (2) • Teachers need to understand the local culture to respect the Bama children Access to Country • We do this whenever we go on country. We need more structures so people can move back home. • Our people on country (3) • If we go back to country we will maintain and protect it. The issue is getting there. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 139 Site Protection / Protection of cultural sites • Got to protect significant cultural • Protection and preservation of cultural sites • Protection and preservation of cultural sites and our lands. (3) • Look after sacred sites • Protect sacred sites and continue to practice our customs when visiting our country • Would like to see all happen, would like to see all sites managed properly, need help recording stories • TO Rangers for all lands Businesses and Culture Sharing World Heritage and Cultural Values No comment recorded against these two Theme 2. Looking after rainforest country and conservation areas Going back to Country / Access • Want to return Maytown Country back to its former state so people can go back and maybe live and build/develop on the land • We need the resources to manage our own Country and have our own mob doing it • We need access to our land first • Like to see this happen on country. Work on Country • Our own mob working on our own land (2) • More work on country / We need real jobs not gammon ones (4) • Training - learn to manage country Rangers • Proper land management and education • Need for more rangers (3) • Real rangers with powers (4) • We need more rangers and programs to get rid of weeds and pests • Would like to see all happen, had rangers but no funding Site Protection • Managing and protection RAP country • Conservation and regeneration • Want to manage the National Parks All are important (2) • Learning culture and document it and pass on to the kids. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 140 Theme 3. Managing reef and rainforest waters Management • Our own mob working on our own land • Too many people don’t respect our waterways • Managing RAP waters Restrict Access • We have some pristine waters but it is being polluted by others, we need to have more control over this • Protect waterways • Very important, keep farmers away from creeks and rivers Clean Up Waterways • More work on country, we need real jobs not gammon ones (4) • Real rangers with powers (4) / Need ranger programs • Like to see this happen on country - look of the quality of the Barron River • Would like to see all happen, Barron River is getting dirty • Need to keep our waters clean and someone has to be responsible in looking after our waters • Need to be policed better too. All are important (3) Theme 4. Planning and acting for the future Planning Positive Futures • Control of business • If we don’t act now there mightn’t be anything left for our kids • Want to manage everything to do with their country • Have long term thinking • All are important protecting our waters and country is very important so our connection isn’t lost • Like to see this happen on country / Would like to see all happen • All are important (3) Indigenous leadership in the school is good, we should keep this going to promote our children to grow up to be leaders in all areas The Bama Plan and NRM Planning • Only one responder knew about the Bama Plan and NRM Plan • Cannot comment (13) • No responders knew about National and World Heritage Listing in relation to Cultural Values • We have to lead anything that happens on our land • Mob need to come together, think about the mob and not surname • Bama should be in control with everything concerning their country and until this happens, we have no say what happens on our country • Does not know of any plans underway (5) • Would like to be involved. (2) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 141 Theme 5. Benefitting economically Derived from Country • All are important (3) • More needs to be done to make money of our country to protect it • Like to see this happen on country • Develop of economic development opportunities on our lands will bring about greater progress for our people Jobs for Bama • More jobs for us and our kids (9) • Have employment for the people of Maytown • We need to find ways to make a living of our land so we can protect it • Ranger programs • Conservation NGOs need to hand over what they are currently doing to our mob Business Support • Others making money off our land • Have to have our own businesses • Need support to develop these • It would be good to have some businesses on our country, must be more than rangers • We all want jobs and businesses on our country, tourism, guides and land managers • Look at tourism, arts and crafts, and paintings to sell to tourists • Own business for our mob to help the environment too • Business opportunities • Would like to see things happen that benefit Bama • Need finance and support for own business • We need businesses and projects that create jobs, we need assistance to build these business • We need more businesses so that we become independent • We need good relationships with sectors that use our land eg. cane growers & tourism • Anyone that works on our country should be employing Bama Negative Impacts • We are the biggest landowners in the nation; how come everyone makes money off our land except us? • Lack of respect shown to Aboriginal people and their lands • No funding for rangers • No comment. (2) Enabler One – Participation by our Traditional Owners Leadership from Elders • No comment recorded against this one People Working Together • We need to have our people at every forum leading the way • Come together • How can you not have this? Goes without saying • This has to occur if anything is going to be there for us • More participation • Bama people to work together/support one another • Have one big gathering of neighbouring groups just to talk, dance Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 142 Culture and Language • Keep our practices and make decision of our lands (4) • Retaining language and practice culture. Protecting the environment for future generations • Anything that involves Bama country and culture, eldest son is involved in doing this • TOs should go into the school and teach language in the classroom • Encourage learning Be on Country • Like to see this happen on country Requirements of Assistance and Support to bring this about Local level assistance and self-support Bama Control • Would like to run the National Park • Look after the land and care for it (3) • We need to be together as one • They are strong enough • Knowledge from TO’s and elders • Look after the land and care for it Funding • Funding is needed • Local shire council • We know what we want; we just need support from others to get this • Need funding, equipment and workers • Also funding for business support • Funding for the younger generation to look after country (rangers) • Support is need for ranger programs, information and record for culture, sacred sites • Training for culture • Would like assistance from a botanist Culture • We know what we want; need to equip our locals and elders with the know how to make it happen • Need to teach the young ones (2) • Work with TOs to learn culture • Need teachers to have an understanding local culture and respect it too • Need to teach the young ones • Lacking in cultural knowledge and access to sites • Need assistance in recording knowledge before too late to get that Jobs • Need to build our own skills set first • Jobs for Bama to self manage culture & heritage & country • Need to work together • More meetings & notification • Funding for the younger generation to look after country (rangers) Partnerships • Appropriate leases • Sustainable businesses partnerships with appropriate agencies • Support to start business • People should definitely meet from different tribes and share their opinions and struggles Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 143 Local Government Support • We need them to support the locals • Seek local council support • Support needed by local government for vehicles, tools and setting up meeting places • We need them to support the locals but also spread the word of good news and funding • Support needed eg. funding (4) • Support our mobs with skills • Any department that has an input into the Western Yalanji Corporation and the people • Local government should consult us all the time, the Tablelands Council does not do this • More respect and recognition of our culture and people • Accountabilities for Aboriginal information • More funding for jobs and programs on the land Hub / northern, central and southern sub-regional level assistance and support • Family – Western Yalanji Corporation • We need them to support the locals (5) • We need them to support the locals but also spread the word of good news and funding Networking Information • There is “no strong Aboriginal voice” • Current organisations do not provide any assistance to achieve their aspirations • Is there sub regional support? Are they active? • Notification Support Getting Funds • Support needed especially funding (3) • Support by funding Organisational Support • This includes training, information and funding Specific Needs in Expertise and Skills named • To also assist in training tour guides and rangers • A diversionary centre • There are youth at risk in the area, need to have a place and support for the young people to go, have a sporting hub • There is not enough information (signage) for tribal names on places, trees etc. • Support our mobs with skills • # Regional PBC (structured properly and fairly) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 144 State and National level assistance and support Education • Work with the education system • Need funding for things like teaching young children (need to set up programmes) and this could be state or federal government • Also work with the education system to make a difference in the how teachers are treating our children • They also need to introduce cultural activities in school State and Federal Government • Recognise TO ownership • Training for skills to talk with all levels of government and to be taken seriously on matters of concern • Mediation between each other and all of government • Have Bama representatives in local, State and Federal Government to support Bama • More funding (5) • State & Feds need to provide longer funding not just yearly or three yearly. This is not long enough to success on anything International level assistance and support • Let the tribes make decisions about what we can do on our land • Help us to run our own land • No government has been good for our people No Comment (24) Not interested (4) Enabler Two – Managing our knowledges Role of Elders • Use the ways we always have • This is done by our elders (2) • This happens anyway • This is done by everyone (3) Be On Country • Take old people back out to country, camp and yarn and pass on knowledge Exclusivity • Does not want to give any knowledge to anyone outside his tribal mob • Keep this to ourselves Preservation Strategies • Need funding to set up data collection and equipment to photograph sites • We are an evolving culture and I think we must use technology to our advantage, GPS, record our sacred sites and making maps • Photos to watch decay on paintings etc. • Expressed interest in native plants and food • We need to keep our culture somehow through recording it • Good to have families document history and stories from their elders – books, videos etc. • Managing knowledge about RAP country, culture and kin now and into the future • As TO part, if we aren’t in the meetings how to we control the agenda • Only we know what’s best for us, we need to put Bama first. Social Action Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 145 Enabler Three – Coordinated investment partnerships Bama to be in Control • Partnerships should work for us, If they don’t they are useless • Happy to partner as long as all control is with Djabugay • A lot of Bama have been doing things by themselves for so long, we need to think about them • More cultural activities happening locally on regular basis • People will be more aware of RAP Bama and the importance of culture, heritage and keeping these things alive • Bama to lead everything / Everything they have accomplished, has been done by themselves On Country • Like to see this happen on country Cooperation Required • These are good it done right • Need drug awareness centre/drop in centre/ sports centre/women's support groups • Support from Mulungu Health Service • Appropriate leases • Sustainable businesses • Partnerships with appropriate agencies • We need real partnerships where we get what we deserve • We need to get drugs and alcohol out of our community Negative Aspects Evident and to be Overcome • If we could find a partner we could trust; this is the hard part, so many will take everything from us and leave us with little • Current partnerships are tokenistic and does nothing for our mob • Do not know of any • I have not seen a good partnership – Bama should the most out of any partnership not outsiders • We need to be able to discipline our kids, there is no respect for elders or parents; more programs cultural camps for kids on country might straighten them out • None that I know of • Current partnerships are tokenistic and do nothing for our mob • No strong Aboriginal voice Positive Experiences • Research on country • Cultural mapping, tourism • Training has been held on country for young people • People are moving back on country • Revegetating projects • Workshops held on landcare • Rangers on country • Our mob fight too much; we will not progress until we remember our tribe and not our surname • Too much family/in house/organisation bickering and in fighting • Elders need to lead in a positive way. No Comment (7) All are important (2) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 146 B. CONCERNS, ISSUES, BLOCKERS AND ENABLERS Research Sector • We want more from them than want we’ve gotten so far • These people take and take; they need to start paying us properly for our intellectual property; JCU are the worst • Accountabilities for Aboriginal information • Give proper respect for our elders and TOs • Haven’t they done enough already? • If we are going to be researched, we need the information to be put to good use for RAP Bama. Good – Indigenous Leadership programs in the schools Did not comment (8) Cultural Practice and Access Conservation and to Country Regeneration Eliminating illegal occupation Proper Land Management by squatters and Education Culture Maintenance and Need for More Rangers Revival Management by Bama • Too much family/in Clean Up Waterways house/organisation bickering and in Planning Positive Future fighting. Elders need Funding to lead in a positive way Social Strategies The Next Generation Income and Jobs Derived from Country Language Maintenance Jobs for Bama Access to Country for TOs Business Support TO Power to Restrict Access Leadership from Elders Going back to Country Businesses and Culture Sharing Site Protection Mining • BHP Mining destroyed the land at Maytown by mining for gold • Mining leases – Government should not be making decisions about our land • Other businesses making a profit Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 147 Specific Long Term Issues • Illegal mining activities on country • Problems working with non-Bama in government • Squatters on country (2) • Logging has had a big impact on country • Disrespect for country • Everything they have accomplished, has • People stealing equipment, personal been done by themselves – no strong items and wrecking property pne Aboriginal voice • Not enough money • Research on country, cultural mapping, • Pastoralists on country and tourism – training has been held on country for young people • Too much fighting by mob, no progress until tribes come together, rather than • People are moving back on country families • Research and history of the land done • We need to be able to discipline our • Revegetating projects kids; there is no respect for elders or parents • Workshops held on landcare • More programs cultural camps for kids on country might straighten them out C. DECISION MAKING POINTS OF CONTACT It is the protocol of the RAP north, central and south decision making quorum to recommend first point and ongoing contact with the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) organisations as holders of Native Title in the respective determined traditional areas. These bodies hold both Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Native Title and are eligible to make further claims under the Native Title process coordinated in this region by the North Queensland Land Council. This is not to forget that there are also a number of non native title TO organisations that strongly represent families and special interests and these bodies should always be treated with respect and heard. Also, there are sometimes claims still to undergo due process and these outstanding matters leave some groups in contention which affects personal and public relations. Knowledge of these circumstances and different parties is necessary when trying to advance NRM programs in a particular situation. Central Wet Tropics Institute for Culture and Country Aboriginal Corporation is the sub regional hub level organisation that supports groups on-ground in this area. CWTICCAC can offer services, advice and support for mainstream networks and fee for service is an appropriate engagement. They will direct decision making to the proper people for native title and specific localities, and for business themes. There are a number of important and outstanding matters regarding native title determination in the border area with Cairns region and more centrally in this Zone. Zone 4 will present some difficulties in terms of mutual agreement with multiple stakeholders. Groups to the west are also aligned with groups of the Mitchell River Catchment who have some supportive engagement from Southern Gulf NRM. This zone is mostly not rainforest country so may have some different environmental concerns than the general Terrain regional. Mareeba also has a large Indigenous population of people from further north and west. NQ Land Council can be a point of reference. CWTICCAC can assist with engagement. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 148 TERRAIN ZONE 5 - Russell and Mulgrave River Region - Gordonvale to Babinda There are thirty-two (32) responders specifically connected to this zone area. RAP variously identified their tribal and clan identities as Yidinji Gulgibarra, Yidinji Gimuy Walubarra, Yidinji Dulabed, Yidinji Mandingalbay, Yidinji Wanyurr Majay, Gunggandji and Gunggandji Gurabana. They had cross identities as Yidinji – Gunggandji – Djiru and Yirrigandji. Traditional Owners would recommend to Terrain NRM more specific breakdown of this Terrain Zone in line with Traditional Owner areas. Numbers in brackets ( ) show the number of interviewees giving the response in the 2014 on- ground engagement. Others unnumbered are lone comments. A. VISION, VALUES, PRIORITIES Theme 1. Promoting and protecting our culture and heritage All aspects of culture are important (3) Bama Control • Involve Bama in anything that is to do with language and country • Write our stories that have been passed down – a project for the future • Lore tells us who we are and needs to be passed down • Involve children in culture training to pass on • Activity centre for children. • Everything that is done on country is to be done by local Bama • Cultural knowledge, practices and management are being shared and promoted through individual families • Ongoing conflict between TO’s and other groups impacts on people working together collaboratively to manage and maintain cultural values • Maintaining ongoing learning from elders and exploring ways in which to pass this knowledge on to young people Cultural Practice and Access to Country • Our people do this all the time by going back to country • Practising our culture while on country all the time. • Actively engaged in learning about country, culture and kin through older family members • Along with other members of the family has traditional creative skills i.e. art, weaving etc., however lacks the confidence and support to share or develop these skills further • Maintains a good understanding of local culture and heritage • Believes there needs to be a cultural venue to teach and pass on local cultural knowledge and awareness • Need a cultural centre – somewhere to do activities, arts and craftwork • Record and document Rainforest stories Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 149 • Record and document sacred sites including women & men’s areas (3) • Document keeping for art, language and story by books, videos, DVDs and photos • More culture days and nights and camping that includes story telling • Preservation of culture • Elders being central to passing on cultural knowledge • Ongoing talking circles to share cultural knowledge • Passing on cultural knowledge through elders and holders of knowledge from past elders • Working in partnership with others to raise concerns about the need to protect women’s sacred areas, to maintain and share with other women and help retain old values • Cultural preservation through cultural activities in school, cultural centre to conduct cultural activities • Teach cultural activities to children in schools • Would like to see culture and heritage documented and recorded • All culture and heritage needs to continue and should never die out • Has to be handed down to next generations • I am already engaging with children and telling our stories but need assistance to write them up as well as equipment to store on a database • Need to record these • Others need to provide funding/resources to see this is done by locals Language Maintenance • Maintenance of Gunggandji language – support local research to record and document elders • Preservation of language, sacred sites and animals • We live on country so practise it all the time • Keep language strong and not to be mixed up (pronunciation should be correct • Language to be passed on to young generation (5) • Need funding and other support for language retrieval • Discussions are currently taking place to retrieve and record local language with elders Site Protection / Protection of Cultural Sites • Protection of cultural sites • Protection and preservation of cultural sites • Protect cultural sites especially story places • Need to preserve culture, sea, land and heritage through TO in collaboration with other key stakeholders • Need more funding to implement caring for country program across the board and for local organisations (5) World Heritage and Cultural Values • Only 3 of 32 responders indicated that they are aware of this, therefore responses did not address the issue of what they thought about the benefits of listing of 'cultural values' / Responses reiterated the 'cultural priorities of RAP as expressed here • "Unaware of re-listing Aboriginal Values Action Plan for the Wet Tropics but supports the re- listing • Needs to be more widely promoted among RAP • Interested in becoming more actively engaged in assisting with maintenance of cultural values • Control and management of a museum or gallery showcasing and highlighting Indigenous cultural values in Wet Tropics World Heritage Area • Funding to progress the ideas. Governance and Working Together No comment specifically recorded against this Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 150 Theme 2. Looking after rainforest country and conservation areas Going back to Country / Access • Live on (Native Title) land, in order to look after land • We need to be able to access our country and return it to the way it used to be, thise should create jobs for our people • Hold gatherings to bring people together to discuss and explore ideas about TO aspirations and the protection, management and planning on country • There is a need for more rangers and expectations of the role • Promote and educate community and visitors on how to better care for country Work on Country • Continue to maintain country regardless of programs in place or not • Need more rangers, need funding assistance from whatever/whoever to increase • Working on the land • Participation in land management • Support rangers to protect and manage country, waterways & coastline • Rangers to control wild pigs and ensure environment is looked after i.e. people removing their rubbish Site Protection • All are important • Preservation of Star (scar?) Trees in Yarrabah, stop cutting down our native fruit trees, identifying and protecting native plants/animals (e.g. scar tree) (9) • No point protecting country if our heritage sites and natural heritage are disappearing because of development • Developers need to accountable for destruction of places and material culture Cultural Protocols • Training – Gunggandji need to be trained in cultural protocols • Hunting and gathering needs to be monitored – over-kill, Bama taking more than they need • Signage to display information about country and the importance of its protection • No cutting trees down, this will affect the environment eg. in America where they cut all the trees down, this affected the water • Protect sacred sites and customs • We got rangers and other programs • Sites need to be protected and working on country needs to be first step to good management • Recording knowledge through taking photographs of the land • Scholarships for land management and conservation. Conservation and Preservation No comment specifically recorded against this Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 151 Theme 3. Managing reef and rainforest waters Management by Bama • Managing waters, protect waterways • Others are ruining them acting now and for futures, act now or there will be no future Restrict Access and Protect • Stop trawlers coming close • Stop dredging • Look after our turtles (9) • Clean up waterways • Keeping our creeks clean and knowledge • Protect waterways / must look after our waterways • Protect sacred sites and customs • We got rangers and other programs. • We need to have clean water • Removal of eels needs to be researched as this may affect the water – circle of life • No digging out creeks No Comment (2) Clean Up Waterways – no comment recorded Theme 4. Planning and acting for the future TO Control of Business • We (RAP Bama) should be looking after country Planning Positive Futures • Ensuring there is adequate support and resources (financial & physical) to implement initiatives • Establish program or business enterprise to manage feral animals • Indigenous leadership in the school is good, we should keep this going to promote our children to grow up to be leaders in all areas • Planning to start from local level and filter down from the top. • Ownership and opportunity to have input • Rangers to protect our tree, re-planting of native trees / Junior Ranger programs (9) • Old (style) gatherings to bring people together to discuss and explore ideas about TO aspirations and the protection, management and planning on country • Somewhere to meet and have wellbeing programs • No more cutting down trees now and in the future – save our rainforest The Bama Plan and NRM Planning Does not know of any plans (26) • No knowledge of plans, there needs to be more workshops/information on the Bama Plan and the NRM Plan (9) • Not many are aware of it • Unaware of plans but feel Bama Plan should be maintained • Not familiar with the NRM or Bama Plan but believes that anything developed by past or present elders should be maintained • Unaware of NRM or BAMA Plan, however would like to see 50% of employees in NRM being RAP with an appropriate number sitting in management positions • Unaware of the Plans but would like to see more done around the control and care of domestic animals on country Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 152 Aware of Bama Plan (5) • Yes has knowledge of NRM Plan / Keep the Bama Plan / Know about it • Bama Plan is Elders’ knowledge base, the foundation • Aware of Bama Plan and think I have read it / Should never get rid of Bama Plan, it should be kept / What has been said in Bama Plan has come from the Ancestors, it is based on what has been passed down through the ages from our Ancestors • Yes, have some knowledge of Terrain/Bama plan – the knowledge and will of elders for what’s to be done on country needs to be respected and should be kept Plan Priorities • It should be easy to access, for all members of a clan/family group • We are all affected one way or another and everyone should know what’s going on and have the ability to contribute to discussion and implementation / Locals having access to the internet and resources (9) • Local mob being consulted / Additional information included such as website links to funding grants to manage country / Advertisements – posters, word of mouth etc (9) • More ranger programs (9) • Making sure local jobs going to local mob • People need to know just how important to country is to RAP (all Bama) • Respect what the Elders say about country • Anything that protects our way of life Taking Plan Forward • We are all affected, our mob are the ones to run it, not to be “supervised” by non- Indigenous people who have little or no clue what happens in our communities and on our country (9) • Help younger generation / Management of sacred sites are important for passing down information (9) • Elder have lived through a lot and they have been handed down stories that hold great value to what is happening today. No comment (14) Lots of lip service Theme 5. Benefitting economically Derived from Country • We want to be able to make money off our land just like everyone else does • Where we can, do something good on country where people can pay Jobs for Bama • More jobs for us and our kids • Need employment in all areas Business Support • We can benefit from farming turtles for a business • Research tourism opportunities for local Bama / “Medicinal” use of our native plants (6) • Want assistance to set up business ventures (have two in mind) • Need advice and assistance with business plan and finance • Using this understanding, start small business making artefacts or establishing tours to take people out to show and/or gather traditional foods • Establish program or business enterprise to manage feral animals • Ensuring there is adequate support and resources (financial & physical) to implement initiatives Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 153 • Establish program or business enterprise to manage feral animals • Training for young people in governance and business administration • Support and opportunities to explore business ideas i.e. physical and financial • Financial support to bring people together • Teaching and promoting the significant cultural values of country through various mediums • TOs engaged to preserve native plants i.e. medicinal and other by collecting & growing seeds • Would like to establish boat tours for tourist explaining certain sites, traditional foods, hunting skills etc. • Has business idea that relates to children, however need support to bring this to fruition, including support to undertake study tour to look at similar business venture • Funding and information and support for business • For meaningful things to happen for our future – the promise of employment • More resourceful options need to be offered • Support others to have business as long as they work in partnership with Gunggandji • Access to adult education to build confidence No comment (5) Negative Impacts No comment recorded Enabler One – Participation by our Traditional Owners Leadership from Elders • Elders assisting with camps and language classes / Resurrect the culture days with the local school students / Culture nights (youth reviving language) - Need more jobs created to do all these things (9) • Major decisions are to be taken to the elders and they are to decide what happens, these decisions should be respected • Need to support locals to reach our goals • Support family groups • Tell others to look after country too – not leave rubbish around etc. • Keep culture going and ask elders to tell the stories of the old people • Keep learning language and passing on to the children • Look after the land and care for it • Need to teach the young ones • Elders must be central to everything and all activities must have Gunggandji people in the “driver’s seat” • Support the views and efforts of Yidinji leadership in pursuing the groups aspirations and would like to become more actively involved in the future Governance • PBC – working collaboratively • Bama to build partnerships to assist and support each other / Resource sharing to support individuals to prospective organisations (8) • Working together / Everyone working together • Become one, stop fighting • Support family groups • Communication, transparency, accountability and inclusion • Would like to see community members reconnected and relationships strengthened between TOs, others in the community and with neighbouring TOs • TOs working together with each other and historical people living on country Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 154 • Programs are already in place to look after country and sea • Our group is reviving culture through language, arts and dancing and (background) of stories are passed on from the elders to the younger generation Requirements of Assistance and Support to bring this about Local level assistance and self-support • Support from all levels, need to realise they have an obligation to our mob to enhance in all areas of what we want to do on country; We want the same things for our children as they would want for theirs • Professional advice needed, recording equipment needed • Appropriate leases • Sustainable businesses • Partnerships with appropriate agencies • Host and invite appropriate speakers or agencies to workshops or seminars for RAP to familiarise and explore opportunities in the market to develop economic initiatives Hub / northern, central and southern sub-regional level assistance and support • Better networking and communication and policies and procedures and agreements for all concerned on managing land – Wet Tropics, Sunwater, National Parks, State and Local Government, JCU, CSIRO with Traditional Owners • Build relationships with farmers on behalf of local groups • Host and invite appropriate speakers or agencies to workshops or seminars for RAP to familiarise and explore opportunities in the market to develop economic initiatives • Support the establishment of a sub-regional representative group to advocate aspirations on behalf of RAP • Networking with other groups, learning (2) • Lobby for support from Government and for everyone to work together • Need their support to reach our local (TO) goals Networking Information • Need more information from government about changing policies and program opportunities • Better networking and communication and policies and procedures and agreements for all concerned on managing land – Wet Tropics, Sunwater, National Parks, State and Local Government, JCU, CSIRO with Traditional Owners • Networking with other groups, learning (3) Support Getting Funds • Support from business that is making money on country to go back into caring for land, including administration (5) • Support needed especially funding (5) • Funding to develop, implement and deliver school based activities (4) • Ensuring there is adequate support and resources (financial & physical) to implement initiatives • Invest in youth (3) • Funding from IBA as support from business consultants • Specific needs in expertise and skills named • Support needed egs funding • Provision of loans or grants to bring business ideas to fruition Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 155 Organisational Support • PBC – working collaboratively • Become one, stop fighting • No comment (5) • Host and invite appropriate speakers or agencies to workshops or seminars for RAP to familiarise and explore opportunities in the market to develop economic initiatives No comment (28) Relationships with Other Stakeholders General Public • Community relations – engagement for community awareness / Help us achieve desired outcome (9) • These need to aware of Bama people and culture especially close to where they live • We need to educate them more about our country • Keep out Conservation, Cultural and NRM NGOs • Information sharing/ Share resources/ Funding submissions/ Organisation support (9) • Feel it important to share and draw on existing local knowledge by forging strong partnerships with TOs and others • Help find better ways to manage our land for the next 40,000 years • Lack of respect shown to Aboriginal people and their lands • Respect us more • Need to listen to Elders Research and Academic • Information sharing / Help to get our point of view across, although it’s rare (9) • Work with and share scientific knowledge with TOs • Accountabilities for Aboriginal information • If they research, is this being used properly for our mob • No comment (12) Local Government • Cairns Regional Council and Queensland State need to start implementing Sections 25 and 26 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act – duty of care and Cultural Heritage Management Plan • Work with Local Government to ensure Traditional Owners are recognised and rights are acknowledged • Yarrabah Council need to consult more with Bama • Work in partnership with Local Government to develop collaborative responses to relevant issues (11) • Partnership and business with GRAMPA, Wet Tropics, Cairns City Council, Yarrabah Council State and National Government Support • School based cultural activities supported by Education Queensland through funding and curriculum development • Funding to develop, implement and deliver school based activities • Commitment from Education Qld to embed culturally based activities into curriculum Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 156 • Better networking and communication and policies and procedures and agreements for all concerned on managing land – Wet Tropics, Sunwater, National Parks, State and Local Government, JCU, CSIRO with Traditional Owners Environmental Protection • Negotiate commercial fishing, dredging etc. (9) • Protection of breeding / feeding grounds of native animals (9) • Need more information from government about changing policies and program opportunities • Assist our mob to learn more about environment and help them to get job in this area Education State and Local Schools • Education programs / community involvement (9) • Teach our languages and history in school, we are living history • Teach our languages in school • Teach our languages and history in school • Can they teach language or Bama activities in the schools Business Engagement • Nursery, tourism, arts and crafts, local products (9) • Support to establish local trail bike business but not on own country • Regional cultural centre for all Bama • Funding and business support to develop ideas • Cultural tours • Need financial support to develop the idea and establish infrastructure • Important for business to start out small and grow business as skills develop through experience • Infrastructure to support business idea • Support from business that is making money on country to go back into caring for land, including administration • Information sharing • Resource sharing. Enabler Two – Managing our knowledges Difficulties Acknowledged • Everyone should be listening to the elders • Everyone should be working together to assist all Bama Passing on to next generation • We do this by practising it • Perhaps our young ones can help preserve our history better • This is to be done by Elders • Need for young ones to gain respect. Knowledge and Land Sacred sites kept in close groups etc. (9) Language Revival • Language – workshops and research (only share knowledge that’s needed) (9) • Priority – Language classes / Documentation – language, writing, parting, yarning (9) Preservation Strategies • All are important • Manage knowledge re medicinal information, artefacts Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 157 • Recording sites, stories, cultural values – need financial assistance to set up a central database • Storing plant knowledge • Preservation – museums, libraries, archives • Establish a cultural centre for knowledge to be passed on • Supports need for cultural preservation and local land management • Have murals/paintings, landmark significant areas, promote RAP culture and heritage in local areas Social Awareness • Work with other groups and share stories • Networking • Keep up cultural activities eg. Laura Festival All are important (2) Enabler Three – Coordinated investment partnerships Bama to be in Control • Everyone should be listening to the elders • Everyone should be working together to assist all Bama Cooperation Required • Support from all levels need to realise they have an obligation to our mob to enhance in all areas of what we want to do on country, we want the same things for our children as they would want for theirs • Bama to build partnerships to assist and support each other (9) • Resource sharing to support individuals to prospective organisations (9) • Working together / Need good partners • Be friendly with people who have money and they might give us some to help us with country Negative Aspects Evident and to be Overcome • Binga Binga (Yalanji for head man) will not work with a mainstream, 21st century, egalitarian, Australian society, the traditional system cannot exist with modern system • Coal seam gas plans for country not good for country • Younger generation not listening to elders and losing the true stories • 20 years of plans with government agencies and indigenous TOs but no real action comes out of them • A lot of broken promises by Council / Not working with elders and getting permission to do things / Good thing - NOTHING • People working together and getting along before Native Title • Disconnect within community since Native Title • Loss of respect from both Indigenous and non indigenous for culture No Comment (4) Future Partnerships • Organisations at all levels need this knowledge from Elders and TOs, and continue to keep taking from us, we need to have genuine support • No more in fighting should happen • Transparency from external organisations on their objectives eg. researchers (6) • Respect (12) • All are important. (2) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 158 B. CONCERNS, ISSUES, BLOCKERS AND ENABLERS Positive Achievements Cultural Practice and Access to country • Our people are going back home • Securing of Native Title • Our tribal area is recognised and recorded (good), have worked with tribal people organising tribal issues and putting programmes • Good we have (Native Title) determination to utilise country Culture Maintenance and Revival • The Next Generation • Language Maintenance • Access to Country Businesses and Culture Sharing • Going back to Country / Access • Conservation and Regeneration • Proper Land Management and education Enablers More Rangers On 'Country" • Rangers employed on country by the properly constituted PBC are seen as the most visible expression of progress and TO engagement in NRM • It is the most readily accountable 'enabler' of TO power in 'Country' Strength of Governance • Organisations/qualified people to commit to inkind support to assist • Consistency in the information – to know and understand we are united • Funding is needed • Local level – decisions should include the Traditional Owner boards in the area of concern • Clear cut path to leases on country – to lease land, to set aside areas to use, cleaning of land, tourism for whites and Aboriginal people • Good leadership, effective communication, representation of all interest groups, recognised as the peak Rainforest body Networking and Good Communications • More networking with others to advance our aspirations • Bama, governments and the private sector need to work in collaborative, positive and respectful way to ensure Bama realise their dreams and aspirations • Bama need to be listened to • More meetings with the Councils and rangers • Genuine commitment by all groups i.e. TOs, Local Government and other community members to work together • Committed to working with TO and others all groups respecting each other • Keeping people informed about what is going on • Ensuring representation is inclusive • Good leadership • Partnerships are conducive to RAP aspirations • Working together and inviting neighbouring TOs to participate in activities eg. Women’s Healing program • Forums so people have input to what is going on and hear what is being done • Respecting diversity of views • Engagement needs to be relevant and at a community level Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 159 Management by Bama • More autonomy • Time for Bama to stop going to government and organisations like Oliver with cap in hand and asking for more • Attitude toward education for Bama need to change – education is important and young people to be encouraged to graduate at all levels of schooling by family and the education system • Have access to scholarships Barriers Culture Loss • Loss of respect from both Indigenous and non indigenous for culture (not good) • Younger generation not listening to elders and losing the true stories Abuse of Country - Site Protection • Coal seam gas plans for country not good for country • Clearing of pine on country, left untidy (needs for the company to pay the TOs to landscape the area) • 20 years of plans with government agencies and indigenous TOs but no real action comes out of them Poor Governance • Organisations at all levels need this knowledge from Elders and TO’s, and continue to keep taking from us, we need to have genuine support • No more infighting should happen • Feels strongly about Native Title having divided families and communities, would like to see a return of past close relationships between groups • People working together and getting along before Native Title, disconnect within community since Native Title • Recognition for TOs as a good thing Handout Mentality / Restrict Access / Clean Up Waterways / Planning Positive Future Funding / Social Strategies / Derived from Country / Jobs for Bama Business Support / Leadership from Elders C. DECISION MAKING POINTS OF CONTACT It is the protocol of the RAP north, central and south decision making quorum to recommend first point and ongoing contact with the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) organisations as holders of Native Title in the respective determined traditional areas. These bodies hold both Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Native Title and are eligible to make further claims under the Native Title process coordinated in this region by the North Queensland Land Council. This is not to forget that there are also a number of non native title TO organisations that strongly represent families and special interests and these bodies should always be treated with respect and heard. Also, there are sometimes claims still to undergo due process and these outstanding matters leave some groups in contention which affects personal and public relations. Knowledge of these circumstances and different parties is necessary when trying to advance NRM programs in a particular situation. Central Wet Tropics Institute for Culture and Country Aboriginal Corporation is the sub regional hub level organisation that supports groups on-ground in this area. CWTICCAC can offer services, advice and support for mainstream networks and fee for service is an appropriate engagement. They will direct decision making to the proper people for native title and specific localities, and for business themes. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 160 There are a number of important and outstanding matters regarding native title determination in the border area with Cairns region and more centrally in this Zone. Zone 5 will present some difficulties in terms of mutual agreement with multiple stakeholders. There are overlapping land and water areas in the northern and eastern areas that are being negotiated within TO networks, and there are multiple organisations not necessarily the native title bodies. NQ Land Council can be a point of reference. CWTICCAC can assist with engagement. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 161 TERRAIN ZONE 6 - Southern Tablelands Region - Atherton, Herberton, Ravenshoe and Malanda There are six responders specifically connected to this zone area. RAP variously identified their tribal identities as Ngadjon and Jirrbal, which are themselves 2 of 6 related languages within the Dyirbal / Dyirrbal language family group together with Mamu, Djiru, Gulnay and Girramay. Yidinji Clans overlap in the north and northeast of this region, Mamu People (Zone 7) will have overlapping interest to the east and Mbarbaram (Zone 8) overlapping interests to the western side. Numbers in brackets ( ) show the number of interviewees giving the response in the 2014 on- ground engagement. Others unnumbered are lone comments. A. VISION, VALUES, PRIORITIES Theme 1. Promoting and protecting our culture and heritage Cultural Practice and Access to Country • Need to promote cultural sites on country • Keeping stories alive through each family member • We need to be able to access our country and return it to the way it use to be (2) Site Protection / Protection of Cultural Sites • Protection and preservation of cultural sites (2) • Set up ranger programs Governance and Working Together / Strong Organisations • Must have a solid workplan to see our culture and heritage preserved through strong organisations, along the way we can promote our culture and heritage more better • Our mob need to lead the way in everything to do with local country • Looking after country / Guiding the way (2) • Be the lead in everything to do with country • Native title holders should be informed of all changes and when they are required to meet to discuss issues World Heritage and Cultural Values • None of the responders knew about this • Good! Bama should be leading the way in this area; but again with the elders at the forefront or at least providing guidance and direction to others in the organisation. Site Protection / Protection of Cultural Sites See below Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 162 Bama Control Culture Maintenance and Language Businesses and Culture Sharing No comment specifically recorded against these matters Theme 2. Looking after rainforest country and conservation areas Going back to Country / Access • There are only three elders left and we would like them to guide us on how to manage country Working on Country • Need rangers to look after country • More own mob being rangers • Set up ranger programme Site Protection • Ensuring the plans have a place there to manage and protect • Protect cultural sites especially story places Conservation and Preservation - No comment specifically recorded against this Theme 3. Managing reef and rainforest waters Management by Bama • Very important • This is just as important as the land • Must also have a plan that includes managing waters • Need training in managing waters • Need to have partnerships in managing waterways Clean Up Waterways • Concerned about pollution from farms affecting waterways • Need to clean up waterways • Protect waterways (2) • More own mob being sea rangers (Jirrbal country) Restrict Access and Protect No comment recorded THEME 4. Planning and acting for the future Planning Positive Futures • Make sure we are doing something now but this should assist the next generations • Good plans that will last over time • Workplans developed in stages that highlight goals • A strategic plan • Having a solid workplan that provides direction and has milestones that needs to be met Strong Governance • Good governance / Keep you on track / Gives you timelines • Getting young people involved on country • Overhaul of each the organisations to have a fresh start The Bama Plan and NRM Planning • None of the 4 responders had heard of the plans (4) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 163 • Elders should be at the forefront of what decisions need to be made concerning country • Yes, we may be older but we need to sit in the background and support our elders • More jobs for local groups • Anything that protects our values system • Whatever the elders say is a priority, it is important that their decisions are written and taken forward with the NRM Plan Theme 5. Benefitting economically Derived from Country • Very important for our people to be involved in all aspects • Want to be able to make enough money to help us protect our country (2) • Need money to be able to retain and protect our country and traditions (2) Jobs for Bama • Tour guides operated and owned by our own mob • Creating more jobs for our mob through tourism Business Support Traditional Owner Management • Our local organisations need to be well funded to ensure all these things are put in place Negative Impacts No comment recorded Enabler One – Participation by our Traditional Owners Leadership from Elders • The elders that have signed off on the Native Title should be at the forefront of everything that happens on country • It is just great we are able to sit, relax and talk with elders • I would like to preserve for future generations • Welcome to country has been good • That they lead us using their wisdom (2) • To should guide and assist all activities Enabling Factors Governance No comment recorded against these two Requirements of Assistance and Support to bring this about Local level assistance and self-support • Recording elders – needs assistance with good recording equipment • Permission has been granted from elders • Need more stories being told to the young ones • Have more local informal gatherings to get families together and to relay information out • (Local TOs) Need support from local, sub-regional, regional, state, national and international levels to ensure country is looked after as well as ourselves and to strengthen our cultural values Hub Sub-Regional and Regional Support • Need support from local, sub-regional, regional, state, national and international levels to ensure country is looked after as well as ourselves and to strengthen our cultural values (2) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 164 • Message out that TO are for each area so people know who should do welcome to country • Support local mob • Assist in the funding to do special projects Networking Information • Provide information for everyone involved and offer assistance to local organisations • Gather information to pass on to local groups • Work and network between groups (like Girringun model) Support Getting Funds • Provide support to local groups Organisational Support • Support locals to reach their goals (4) • Provide support to local groups • Assist locals to thrive (4) Specific needs in expertise and skills named • Regional support can do an audit on the organisation’s needs and provide assistance to them from a regional aspect • Maybe they access to resources they can share to local organisations • Provide guidance to local organisations State and National level assistance and support • Provide information on what’s happening around the country and see how this works for us locally (2) • Need support from local, sub-regional, regional, state, national and international levels to ensure country is looked after as well as ourselves and to strengthen our cultural values • We can learn from other regions and get other ideas • Good projects on country – let’s have a trial – implement it, review it and if it didn’t work – scrap it, but at least trial it • How can our elders work with other Aboriginal people around the world • Government should work more closely with TOs, Government does seem to listen to our elders but they should realize most times our elders do have the answers • Be more open to sharing information • Provide longer term funding Relationships with Other Stakeholders General Public • Should embrace Aboriginal culture in their community and be open to assisting where possible • All mainstream should be working with our local groups to assist us and achieve our goals • Keep out (2) Conservation, Cultural and NRM NGOs • Should look at proving more jobs to local groups and work closely with the local organisations as much as possible • Need to stop taking / Walk with us not take everything from us (2) Research and Academic • All information gathered should be used constructively and reported back • Research should turn into funding for our organisations • Our mob to be doing these jobs for our mob o Teach their students more respect and stop taking our medicines and knowledge (2) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 165 Business Engagement • Should embrace Aboriginal culture in their community and be open to assisting where possible • All mainstream should be working with our local groups to assist us and achieve our goals • Provide jobs and mentor new businesses Education State and Local Schools • Teach our languages and history in school • Promote career pathways for locals and work with local organisations with this • Create career paths for high school students Business Engagement Local Government • No comment recorded Enabler Two – Managing our knowledges Difficulties Acknowledged • No comment recorded Passing on to next generation • Want to be able to record this for future generations (2) Knowledge and Land • Need programmes to take Bama out on country • Teach about Bama culture in schools Language Revival • Like to see old language groups happening again (like the one aunty Maisie Barlow in Ravenshoe used to run) Preservation Strategies • There is a tape recording of the elders talking about the stories of Lake Eacham; this was done years ago, we would like to build on this and perhaps do the video recording of our elders • Shared amongst the family • Would like to contact Canberra to get copies of the information back here too Social Awareness • No comment recorded Enabler Three – Coordinated investment partnerships • Having both Nadjon Jii Land Trust and Ngadjon Mitcha Jimmar-Mar partner together to make a strong cohesive group • Promotion of holistic healing – country, culture and health – everyone should promote holistic healing for our mob to advance for years to come • We have a really good partnership with the PBC and we hope this continues for the long term • In a collaborative, respectful manner to ensure that Bama get the best assistance to provide them with housing, land ownership and become empowered to run our own affairs • We don’t have to rely on white people, governments and other organisations • Whatever good partnerships there are, they should keep going • More benefits for our people Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 166 Bama to be in Control • Working well with the PBC • Haven’t really looked at the investment side, but once the organisation settles a bit more, we will look at some projects to include the local community Cooperation Required • Tour Guides co-ordinated through other tourist companies • Need good partners (2) • More engagement with neighbouring tribes Future Partnerships • Sustainable business / Partnerships with appropriate agencies (2) Negative Aspects Evident and to be Overcome Funding • No comment recorded against these two B. CONCERNS, ISSUES, BLOCKERS AND ENABLERS Cultural Practice and Access Going back to Country / Restrict Access to country Access Clean Up Waterways Culture Maintenance and Site Protection Planning Positive Future Revival Conservation and Funding The Next Generation Regeneration Social Strategies Language Maintenance Proper Land Management and education Derived from Country Access to Country Need for More Rangers Jobs for Bama Businesses and Culture Sharing Management by Bama Business Support Enablers Leadership from Elders • Good thing that has happened on country is that the land has been handed back • Our people are going back home (2) Barriers • There have been some governance issues but people did realise them and wanted to really resolve these issues • Cannot do anything on country – cannot build houses – do not have PBC or NTRB • Have to go through Jirrbal organisation. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 167 C. DECISION MAKING POINTS OF CONTACT It is the protocol of the RAP north, central and south decision making quorum to recommend first point and ongoing contact with the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) organisations as holders of Native Title in respectively determined traditional areas. These bodies hold both Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Native Title and are eligible to make further claims under the Native Title process coordinated in this region by the North Queensland Land Council. There are sometimes numbers of competing claims still to undergo due process and these outstanding matters leave some groups in contention which affects personal and public relations and knowledge of these circumstances and different parties is necessary when trying to advance NRM programs in a particular situation. In this Zone there are governance relationships matters including in the south and west, and wider recognition of the relevant TOs issues especially in the northern and western areas. There are a number of independent and non-native title holder TO organisations that strongly represent families and special interests and these bodies should always be treated with respect and heard. Central Wet Tropics Institute for Culture and Country Aboriginal Corporation is the sub regional hub level organisation that can offer services, advice and support for mainstream networks and fee for service is an appropriate engagement. They will direct decision making to the proper native title holders and proper people for specific localities and themes. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 168 TERRAIN ZONE 7 - Lower Johnstone River – Innisfail Hinterland There are four responders specifically connected to this zone area. RAP identified their tribal identity as Mamu. There were no cross identities claimed but in others’ reports, Djiru people, whose country overlaps this zone, and many of whom live in Innisfail, have contributed. Numbers in brackets ( ) show the number of interviewees giving the response in the 2014 on- ground engagement. Others unnumbered are lone comments. A. VISION, VALUES, PRIORITIES Theme 1. Promoting and protecting our culture and heritage Cultural Practice and Access to Country • Look after the land and care for it • Need to teach the young ones Language Maintenance • Want to see language preserved • Stories from our elders preserved Site Protection / Protection of cultural sites • Protect our country and practice all our customs on country. World Heritage and Cultural Values • None had knowledge of this Access to Country / Businesses and Culture Sharing • No comment recorded against these two Theme 2. Looking after rainforest country and conservation areas Going back to Country / Access • See our mob protecting and managing significant sites Work on Country Site Protection • Sacred sites and customs • Want to see stories on country preserved TUMRA Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 169 Theme 3. Managing reef and rainforest waters Management • Want to see a plan in place to ensure our waterways are being protected and managed in a way that does not damage the environment Restrict Access - Marine Parks Clean Up Waterways - no comment recorded against this one Theme 4. Planning and acting for the future Planning Positive Futures • Would like to see a comprehensive plan developed to ensure all our aspirations are fulfilled • Simple things provided to assist our organisation like transport and accommodation for important events like AGMs and summits • Currently doing planning The Bama Plan and NRM Planning • Two responders have heard of the plans • Yes we are involved. • Support needed especially funding (2) • No recognition of TOs or boundaries etc. • Sites • Language/stories etc. • The Bama Plan should remain separate to the NRM Plan as it deserved to have specialized attention given to it • Priority – all of the recommendations in the Bama Plan need to be actioned • There should be an Action Plan developed and a group nominated to ensure the Action Plan is kept on track • From what I’ve heard, there was a lot of blood, sweat and tears when developing the Bama Plan and from what I’ve seen, there’s some great information in this plan too - all this shouldn’t go to waste. Theme 5. Benefitting economically Derived from Country • If family agrees to have different activities on country that raises money that will go towards fulfilling our aspirations, then this is a good thing Business Support • ATO Department and MYOB training Jobs for Bama • No comment recorded against this one Enabler One – Participation by our Traditional Owners Leadership from Elders • TOs will need to participate in advocating, supporting and assisting on everything concerning country • Keep our practices and make decision of our lands • Practising our culture while on country all the time • There are limited cultural activities because everyone is time poor; we need to encourage participation on a regular basis • Again if there were a plan developed with clear direction, this would also present a much stronger cultural values aspect Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 170 • Local Bama needs to manage the Indigenous cultural values on all levels; this should be a given • Plus there needs to be a significant number of Bama to undertake these tasks • We should benefit off our land not others. People Working Together Culture and Language Be on Country • No comment recorded against these last three Requirements of Assistance and Support to bring this about Local level assistance and self-support • Locally we can positively promote ourselves as TOs and build good relationships with local councils, farmers, general public, schools etc. • I would expect there be more jobs for the local Bama and any other activities would require funding going towards the local TOs • We really need to come together to plan Hub / northern, central and southern sub-regional level assistance and support Advocacy • Sub-regionally can assist the local group and also positively promote each other to regionally based businesses, councils etc. Regional level assistance and support • I would see the regional support playing a major role in advocacy; support and assistance to the entire region and sourcing funding to ensure all aspirations are fulfilled • There would also be a plan in place that is monitored and all milestones are met Support Getting Funds • Funding is needed • Support needed especially funding State and National Government Support • Support by state and federal government • Recognise TO ownership • Let the tribes make decisions about what we can do on our land, help us to run our own land • Support and assist all areas where possible • Advocate for all RAP • Support and assist all RAP Other • In all these areas, there needs to be a great level of transparency • Information needs to be filtered through from top to bottom and vice versa • Resources are a huge requirement to get the outcomes achieved • Network, advocate and support where possible • We can learn from what is happening within the state or nationally. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 171 • No comment recorded against the following Relationships with Other Stakeholders General Public Conservation, Cultural and NRM NGOs Research and Academic Local Government Environmental Protection Education State and Local Schools Business Engagement Other Enabler Two – Managing our knowledges Passing on to next generation • Elders do this • Need for young ones to gain respect Preservation Strategies • All stories and language should be preserved by way of recording/videoing our elders now • Digital technology – accessibility to RAP (GIS) Enabler Three – Coordinated investment partnerships Cooperation Required • Need to have a strong partnership with Tourism Australia, local councils, the private sector etc. • All groups should respect each others’ roles and build partnerships that will benefit each other • All information should be filtered up and down • Mentoring to enhance knowledge sharing • The ranger programs have been working very well, but there still need to be more of our mob in those positions. No Comment (4) B. CONCERNS, ISSUES, BLOCKERS AND ENABLERS Cultural Practice and Access Conservation and Jobs for Bama to country Regeneration Business Support Culture Maintenance and Proper Land Management Leadership from Elders Revival and education The Next Generation Need for More Rangers Language Maintenance Management by Bama Access to Country Restrict Access Businesses and Culture Clean Up Waterways Sharing Planning Positive Future Going back to Country / Funding Access Social Strategies Site Protection Derived from Country Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 172 Enablers • More funding • Planning • Leadership Barriers • Clear ownership and rights to land • Need more mobs in Ranger positions • Funding C. DECISION MAKING POINTS OF CONTACT It is the protocol of the RAP north, central and south decision making quorum to recommend first point and ongoing contact with the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) organisations as holders of Native Title in respectively determined traditional areas. These bodies hold both Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Native Title and are eligible to make further claims under the Native Title process coordinated in this region by the North Queensland Land Council. Zone 7 is central to Mamu People and the identified PBC is Mamu Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC. There are three Mamu legal entities as well as the PBC. Also, there are many other Indigenous peoples living in the area, including neighbouring TO identities, and there is a large non-TO connected Indigenous population who are as residents, an important NRM stakeholder group. Knowledge of these circumstances and different parties is necessary when trying to advance NRM programs in a particular situation. Central Wet Tropics Institute for Culture and Country Aboriginal Corporation is the sub regional hub level organisation that supports groups on-ground in this area. CWTICCAC can offer services, advice and support for mainstream networks and fee for service is an appropriate engagement. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 173 TERRAIN ZONE 8 - Upper Herbert Region – Mount Garnet There are two responders specifically connected to this zone area. RAP identified their tribal identities as Mbarbaram. Other groups not surveyed will have interests in this larger zone area. A. VISION, VALUES, PRIORITIES Theme 1. Promoting and protecting our culture and heritage Cultural Practice and Access to country Language Maintenance • Reviving Language Access to Country Site Protection • All these are important Cultural Maintenance and Revival/ The Next Generation / Business and Culture Sharing / World Heritage and Cultural Values • No comment recorded against these Theme 2. Looking after rainforest country and conservation areas Going back to Country / Access Site Protection Work on Country • Funding is needed for all these Conservation and Regeneration Proper Land Management and Education Need for More Rangers • No comment recorded against these Theme 3. Managing reef and rainforest waters Management by Bama / Restrict Access / Clean Up Waterways • Funding is needed for all these Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 174 Theme 4. Planning and acting for the future Planning Positive Futures • Funding is needed for this • Let the tribes make decisions about what we can do on our land Help us to run our own land The Bama Plan and NRM Planning • Does not know (2) Social Strategies • No comment recorded against this Theme 5. Benefitting economically Derived from Country, Jobs for Bama, Business Support • All are important for all these Negative Impacts - no comment recorded against this Enabler One – Participation by our Traditional Owners Leadership from Elders Requirements of Assistance and Support to bring this about Local level assistance and self-support • Support for local TOs and their organisations Hub / northern, central and southern sub-regional level assistance and support Networking Information Support Getting Funds Organisational Support Specific Needs in expertise and skills named • No comment recorded against these four Regional level assistance and support • No comment recorded against these four State and National level assistance and support • Support by state and federal government • Recognise TO ownership International level assistance and support • No comment recorded against these four Enabler Two – Managing our knowledges Passing on to next Generation Knowledge and Land Language Revival Preservation Strategies Social Awareness • Funding is needed for all these Difficulties Acknowledged • No comment recorded against this Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 175 Enabler Three – Coordinated investment partnerships Bama to be in Control Cooperation Required Future Partnerships Funding Negative Aspects Evident and to be Overcome • No comment recorded against these B. CONCERNS, ISSUES, BLOCKERS AND ENABLERS Cultural Practice and Access Going back to Country / Clean Up Waterways to country Access Planning Positive Future Culture Maintenance and Site Protection Funding Revival Conservation and Social Strategies The Next Generation Regeneration Derived from Country Language Maintenance Proper Land Management and education Jobs for Bama Access to Country Need for More Rangers Business Support Businesses and Culture Sharing Management by Bama Leadership from Elders Restrict Access Barriers • Not enough money • Squatters on country • Pastoralists on country • Other businesses making a profit • Mining leases • Government should not be making decisions about our land Enablers • Research and history of the land done • Revegetating projects • Workshops held on land care • Research on country and cultural mapping • Tourism – training has been held on country for young people • People are moving back on country Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 176 C. DECISION MAKING POINTS OF CONTACT It is the protocol of the RAP north, central and south decision making quorum to recommend first point and ongoing contact with the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) organisations as holders of Native Title in respectively determined traditional areas. These bodies hold both Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Native Title and are eligible to make further claims under the Native Title process coordinated in this region by the North Queensland Land Council. The relevant PBCs are located in Mt Garnett and in Atherton, and depending on the zone southern and southeastern areas, there may be another PBC. Besides the PBCs there are also a number of independent and non-native title holder TO organisations that strongly represent families and special interests and these bodies should always be treated with respect and heard. There are also internal groups within the native title holder parties. These matters leave some groups in contention which affects personal and public relations. Knowledge of these circumstances and different parties is necessary when trying to advance NRM programs in a particular Girringun Aboriginal Corporation is the sub regional hub level organisation that supports groups on- ground in this area. GAC can offer services, advice and support for mainstream networks and fee for service is an appropriate engagement. They will direct decision making to the proper native title holders and proper people for specific localities and themes. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 177 TERRAIN ZONE 9 - Tully to Cardwell Region There are thirteen (13) responders specifically connected to this zone area. RAP variously identified their tribal identities as Girramay, Warungu and Gulnay. Numbers in brackets () show the number of interviewees giving the response in the 2014 on- ground engagement. Others unnumbered are lone comments. A. VISION, VALUES, PRIORITIES Theme 1. Promoting and protecting our culture and heritage Cultural Practice and Access to Country • Our own mob knowing about our culture and heritage and how we can pass this down to our kids but also knowing what not to share with others (4) • Need to ensure the right TOs are involved in the lands (2) Governance and Working Together • Looking after country • Making native title holders group pull together • Not fighting working together • Restore what we’ve got / Upper Herbert are very thin in terms of number / Work with what we’ve got (4) • Everyone should be supporting and assisting each other in all these groups • Must have good relationships between one and another Working on Country • Girringun Rangers working on country • We currently doing this with help of Girringun Rangers (2) Site Protection / Protection of Cultural Sites • Protecting cultural sites, revegetation, managing weeds and feral animals • Protecting cultural sites, revegetation • Need to protect sites • Protecting cultural sites World Heritage and Cultural Values • None of the responders had known of this • Yes, our mob should be managing everything to do with our cultural values (4) • This is good if Bama get money out of this – more jobs (3) • We need to have activities on our land so we can manage and keep our culture strong (4) • Need to resource our activities on country so that it pays for itself. Bama Control / Culture Maintenance and Language / Access to Country / Going back to Country Businesses and Culture Sharing - No comment specifically recorded against these matters Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 178 Theme 2. Looking after rainforest country and conservation areas Going back to Country / Access - No comment recorded Management in Bama Hands • Local mob in all positions that manage and protect our country (4) Work on Country • Rangers now managing and protecting land • We currently doing this with help of Girringun Rangers (2) • Weed eradication Site Protection • Protecting cultural sites, revegetation, managing weeds and feral animals Conservation and Preservation No comment specifically recorded against this Theme 3. Managing reef and rainforest waters Management by Bama • Rangers now managing and protecting land • Having local mob in all water management positions - waters are just as important (4) Restrict Access and Protect • Protect our waters particularly Herbert River • Farmers are destroying our creeks (2) • Need to protect waters Clean Up Waterways No comment recorded Theme 4. Planning and acting for the future Planning Positive Futures • Currently doing "on country plans" (4) • Rangers now managing and protecting land • Need to plan now so we have our mob in jobs better future for our mob and own country (4) • We are getting this assistance. We are getting better at this (2) The Bama Plan and NRM Planning • Just three (3) knew of these plans • Knew of plans. We need to see what has been achieved and what’s left to do. (3) • Needs a whole review of both plans • Yes would like to be a part of this (3) • Yes would like to have involvement regarding development • Doing all these things will not work without “real” input from our mob and if there is plan, why aren’t there outcomes being achieved? (4) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 179 Theme 5. Benefitting economically Derived from Country • Girramay rangers, make income from feral animal and weeds control • Do want to see our mob get money from country/culture but this is less important (4) • We need access to our country to manage it properly Jobs for Bama • More support for building ventures, more jobs for our local mob Business Support • Self contained kangaroo farm, piggery, poultry far, water cress, eel farm, needs assistance to develop ideas (2) • Cattle enterprises, trail rides, tourism – assistance to develop required • More support for building ventures, more jobs for our local mob Negative Impacts No comment recorded Enabler One – Participation by our Traditional Owners Leadership from Elders • Our mob to be in charge (2) • Girramay mob working on Girramay country • Making sure they are there to make the decisions at all times (4) • We want to lead all projects on our lands. It might be time to do it be ourselves (2) • Other individuals and NT group holders 4) • Family, TO groups, other ATSI organization/groups (2) • Leading all on-ground activities (2) Enabling Factors • No fighting come together as one • Be organised, supporting, respecting Governance No comment recorded Requirements of Assistance and Support to bring this about Local level assistance and self-support • No comment recorded Hub / northern, central and southern sub-regional level assistance and support • Funding, licenses, info from organisations about progress and success (3) • More north, central & south networking groups • Need to support us (3) / Support us / More support • Girringun model but bigger region may work – they need to support Girringun so they can support local mob (4) • Girringun does good job now. Needs to continue (4) Networking Information Support Getting Funds Organisational Support Other Needs in expertise and skills named • No comment recorded specifically against these matters Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 180 Regional level assistance and support • Funding, licenses, info from organisations about progress and success (3) • More north, central & south networking groups • Need to support us (3) / Support us / More support • Girringun model but bigger region may work – they need to support Girringun so they can support local mob (4) State and National level assistance and support • Bama and Government need to work well together International level assistance and support • No comment recorded Relationships with Other Stakeholders • All mainstream need to support and assist Bama and provide as much information to us as they can to us General Public • Support local TOs Conservation, Cultural and NRM NGOs • Work with Terrain on country • Landcare and manage the land • Maintaining, supporting, respecting (3) • Need to give us money to manage our own lands (2) Research and Academic • Resources for research, training, understanding, cultural awareness (3) • Pay for being on country (2) Local Government • No comment recorded Environmental Protection • Landcare • Need to give us more projects to manage our lands • Resources, research, training, understanding, cultural awareness • Pay for being on country Education State and Local Schools • Keep our language in school teach culture to our kids • Resources, training in cultural awareness (4) • Keep our language strong in schools (2) Business Engagement • All mainstream need to support and assist Bama and provide as much information to us as they can to us • Working together, supporting Other • More support / support us (8) • No Comment (4) • They need to support Regional mob so they can support Girringun mob (4) • They need to support national mob so they can support regional mob, then they support Girringun who then supports local (2) • Funding, licenses, info about how they are doing and successes (4) Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 181 Enabler Two – Managing our knowledges Difficulties Acknowledged / Knowledge and Land / Language Revival / Social Awareness • No Comment (5) Passing on to Next Generation • Need to look at how we maintain our culture for the next generation (2) Preservation Strategies • More writing down of cultural things happening on country (4) Enabler Three – Coordinated investment partnerships Bama to be in Control • Only if we are in charge (2) Cooperation Required / Funding • No Comment (5) Negative Aspects Evident and to be Overcome • Not sure who would be good partners (4) Future Partnerships • More jobs for us and lots more sharing of information • Bama and Government need to work well together. B. CONCERNS, ISSUES, BLOCKERS AND ENABLERS Cultural Practice and Access Going back to Country / Clean Up Waterways to country Access Planning Positive Future Culture Maintenance and Site Protection Funding Revival Conservation and Social Strategies The Next Generation Regeneration Derived from Country Language Maintenance Proper Land Management and education Jobs for Bama Access to Country Need for More Rangers Business Support Businesses and Culture Sharing Management by Bama Leadership from Elders Restrict Access Barriers Enablers • No fighting coming together as one • Be organised (as TOs) • Arguments and greed (2) • Supporting, respecting We got our land back / love of country • • Bama and Government need to work well together • More jobs for us and lots more sharing of information • Rangers – local mob there • We need to be leading everything on country • A lot of people going back home Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 182 C. DECISION MAKING POINTS OF CONTACT It is the protocol of the RAP north, central and south decision making quorum to recommend first point and ongoing contact with the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) organisations as holders of Native Title in respectively determined traditional areas. These bodies hold both Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Native Title and are eligible to make further claims under the Native Title process coordinated in this region by the North Queensland Land Council. Girringun Aboriginal Corporation is the sub regional hub level organisation that supports groups on- ground in this area. GAC can offer services, advice and support for mainstream networks and fee for service is an appropriate engagement. They will direct decision making to the proper native title holders and proper people for specific localities and themes. There are also a number of independent and non-native title holder TO organisations that strongly represent families and special interests and these bodies should always be treated with respect and heard. There are some native title claims to undergo due process in this area. Girringun Aboriginal Corporation conducts various sub-regional CNRM programs including the IPA, ranger and TUMRA programs. Knowledge of these circumstances and different parties is necessary when trying to advance NRM programs in a particular situation. GAC can assist with engagement. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 183 TERRAIN ZONE 10 - Hinchinbrook Region - Lower Herbert River – Ingham / south to Rollingstone There are twenty responders specifically connected to this zone area. RAP variously identified their tribal identities as Warungu and Warrgamay. The zone also includes Nywaigi and Wulgurukaba as we go south, Gugu Badhun to the south west and east to Palm Island with Manbarra. Responses were not specifically gathered or separately identifiable from Nywaigi, Wulgurukaba and Gugu Badhun. The responses for this area were gathered at a group meeting facilitated by Girringun Aboriginal Corporation, the sub-regional organisation for nine tribal entity groups of the southern Rainforest People (RAP). The responses are thereby collective and not weighted by numbers. A. VISION, VALUES, PRIORITIES Theme 1. Promoting and protecting our culture and heritage Cultural Practice and Access to Country • More healing camps on country • The structure should start with the locals, locals need to be more proactive and given more capability. Language Maintenance • Preservation of RAP language, land and lifestyle • Language being lost, words are starting to get mixed up between groups too. • Although there are some language books published, would like to see dad’s developed to ensure proper pronunciation of words / Videoing of Elders would be ideal / Language offered in the classroom (10) • Really wants to keep the Language strong / Wants to preserve the language, land and the lifestyle of the rainforest people. Funding for Country • Funding for infrastructure on country • Maintaining country – local jobs can come from this Site Protection / Protection of cultural sites • No comment recorded Governance / Strong Organisations • Want to have excellent governance within the organisation and be well-equipped to plan and manage for long term benefits • Better relationship with other Traditional Owner groups • Organisations would like to have the ability to write funding submissions Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 184 Businesses and Culture Sharing • Would like to have more employment and economic development opportunities on country • Assistance in building stronger relationships with the farmers and local Councils How these aspirations or hopes can be achieved • Information from IBA re: business/tourism ventures • Higher level negotiations with WTMA, QPWS, Councils, industry groups (e.g.: farmers, tourism etc.) • Information being filtered out to all RAP with opportunity to feedback comments • Networking amongst each other – transfer of skills and knowledge between strong organisations and not-so-strong organisations Theme 2. Looking after rainforest country and conservation areas Going back to Country / Access / Work on Country • No comment recorded Site Protection • Sites are being destroyed or disappearing altogether (20) • Councils need to include TOs in discussion around local land development. Better partnerships with farmers (20) Theme 3. Managing reef and rainforest waters Management - no comment recorded Restrict Access • Not being policed, heavier fines given to those that dump rubbish on these waters (20) Clean Up Waterways • Maintenance of waterways and cultural sites to be a priority on country (20) • Destroying ecosystem • Regular maintenance of the waterways / ensuring regular clean up of our creeks and rivers. (20) • Amount of erosion in local creeks and rivers is a disgrace and farmers are getting away with murder; no accountability in relation to water. Theme 4. Planning and acting for the future Planning Positive Futures • Effective planning for RAP working from bottom up • Indigenous leadership in the school is good, we should keep this going to promote our children to grow up to be leaders in all areas The Bama Plan and NRM Planning Involvement and knowledge of the Bama Plan • 80% of people interviewed did not know anything about the Bama Plan Identified results and challenges in the implementation of the Bama Plan • People were not sure if the work they are currently doing, is directly linked to recommendations/actions from the Bama Plan Other comments on the Bama Plan • A couple of people that were interviewed, were involved in the development of the Bama Plan and they strongly recommend the integrity and intent remain as is • People were concerned if the Bama Plan is combined with the NRM Plan, it will it be watered down or ignored Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 185 • Majority of people interviewed wanted the Bama Plan to remain separate to the NRM Plan • Our impression from RAP was that they were disheartened by the lack of updated information in regards to the status/progress of the Bama Plan (“just another report put on the shelf to gather dust”) • There seems to be no Action Plan developed to ensure initiatives in the Bama Plan can easily be measured and monitored Involvement with the development of the future WT NRM Plan • Some RAP has lost all faith in Terrain, as the restructure of the organisation has no benefit to RAP at all • Everyone interviewed was passionate about RAP and would possibly like to be involved in the development of the future WT NRM Plan to ensure local RAP are driving all initiatives. Theme 5. Benefitting economically Derived from Country / Leadership from Elders • No comment recorded Jobs for Bama • More employment on country needed and assistance with governance required Business Support • Tourist opportunities to be explored for all regions. Enabler One – Participation by our Traditional Owners Requirements of Assistance and Support to bring this about Local level assistance and self-support • No comment recorded Hub / northern, central and southern sub-regional level assistance and support • Organisations are generally happy with the Girringun model and some have expressed the desire to become more independent. • Perhaps with model can be mirrored in other regions. • Majority of information is being filtered through to these organisations from the sub- regional group. More support should be provided from the sub-regional to the local organisations. • We are aware the sub-regional organisations are proactively sourcing the resources to fill this need. Networking Information • No comment recorded Support Getting Funds • No comment recorded Organisational Support • No comment recorded Specific Needs in expertise and skills named • No comment recorded Regional level assistance and support • Would like to see the regional body have regular high-level talks to tourism groups, farmers, regional Councils, WTMA, and QPWS etc. • The feedback received would like to see this group be very active in advocating for all RAP and provide the support to sub-regional organisations Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 186 State and National level assistance and support • Less tokenistic view of RAP and real management of Wet Tropic Area from RAP • State Governments have no respect for TOs International level assistance and support • No comment recorded Relationships with Other Stakeholders Research and Academic Sector • RAP are starting to see a trend around people coming to them researching about rainforest and cultural activities; they are sick of non-Indigenous people researching them for cultural knowledge about our foods, medicines and traditional knowledge and then gain economic benefits from this Local Government • Need support to take money off Councils which is rightly theirs • Take money off Councils and give direct to TOs State and National Government Support • There needs to better partnership arrangements with QPWS to secure infrastructure contracts in National Parks • ORIC for governance training • IBA for mentoring business opportunities Environmental Protection • No comment recorded Education, State and Local Schools • Local cultural education in our school Business Engagement • No comment recorded Enabler Two – Managing our knowledges Passing on to next generation • No comment recorded Knowledge and Land • No comment recorded Language Revival • Sourcing funding for cultural programs – language and cultural activities Preservation Strategies • No comment recorded Social Awareness • No comment recorded Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 187 Enabler Three – Coordinated investment partnerships Bama to be in Control • No comment recorded Cooperation Required • No comment recorded Successful Partnerships • Collaboration between Girringun and other organisations has worked well • In some instances, personality driven relationships have worked well between partners, however systemic protocols between partners needs attention • Project-based initiatives have worked well eg. kids and cassowary project • Kayaking tours from Ingan works well, good partnerships there and viable business for local mob. B. CONCERNS, ISSUES, BLOCKERS AND ENABLERS Cultural Practice and Access Going back to Country / Clean Up Waterways to country Access Planning Positive Future Culture Maintenance and Site Protection Funding Revival Conservation and Social Strategies The Next Generation Regeneration Derived from Country Language Maintenance Proper Land Management and education Jobs for Bama Access to Country Need for More Rangers Business Support Businesses and Culture Sharing Management by Bama Leadership from Elders Restrict Access Barriers • Not having an effective Board is a significant issue • Groups are frustrated and outraged that Local Councils do not acknowledge Traditional Owners when doing business • Having difficulty with the RNTBC • Did not know anything about the NRM Plan, the Bama Plan and the Regional Agreement Enablers • Board charters, policies and procedures developed, governance training delivered on a regular basis; ORIC should be contacted to deliver training • Council needs to be approached about having a TO representative on Council or establishment of a mandatory engagement protocol during planning and assessment applications • Workshop with RAP to provide all information about Native Title responsibilities • Database to be developed; newsletters, mail out, broadcast email on everything relevant to RAP to be sent out to the mob • Regular meetings on RAP issues. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 188 C. DECISION MAKING POINTS OF CONTACT It is the protocol of the RAP north, central and south decision making quorum to recommend first point and ongoing contact with the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) organisations as holders of Native Title in respectively determined traditional areas. These bodies hold both Exclusive and Non-Exclusive Native Title and are eligible to make further claims under the Native Title process coordinated in this region by the North Queensland Land Council. Girringun Aboriginal Corporation is the sub regional hub level organisation that supports groups on- ground in this area. GAC can offer services, advice and support for mainstream networks and fee for service is an appropriate engagement. They will direct decision making to the proper native title holders and proper people for specific localities and themes. There are also a number of independent and non-native title holder TO organisations that strongly represent families and special interests and these bodies should always be treated with respect and heard. There are some native title claims to undergo due process in this area. Girringun Aboriginal Corporation conducts various sub-regional CNRM programs including the IPA, ranger and TUMRA programs. Knowledge of these circumstances and different parties is necessary when trying to advance NRM programs in a particular situation. GAC can assist with engagement. Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 189 APPENDIX TWO – THE 2014 PARTICIPANTS Positive Reponses to Booran Gathering Attendance 1. Yvonne Cadet-James School of Indigenous Australian Studies, JCU / Southern Hub 2. Yasmin Johnson Southern Hub 3. Yasmin Johnson + 1 Southern Hub 4. Yasmin Johnson +1 Southern Hub 5. Whitney Rassip Southern Hub 6. Warren Singleton Central Hub 7. Valmai Turpin Central Hub / RAP 2014-15 Project Team 8. Thomas Getz Central Hub 9. Thelma Leftwich Northern Hub 10. Shannon Port Northern Hub 11. Shane Graham Central Hub 12. Sarah Warne RAP 2014-15 Project Team 13. Sam Backo Southern Hub 14. Ruby Winkle Northern Hub 15. Roslyn Port Northern Hub 16. Rona Hart Southern Hub 17. Robyn Bellafquih Northern Hub 18. Robyn Bellafquih +1 Northern Hub 19. Ro Hill CSIRO / Wet Tropics Cultural Values Project 20. Peter Wallace Northern Hub 21. Peter Cleary RAP 2014-15 Project Team 22. Paul Turpin Central Hub 23. Paul Barrett RAP 2014-15 Project Team 24. Olivine Solomon Northern Hub 25. Olivine Solomon +1 Northern Hub 26. Olivine Solomon +2 Northern Hub 27. Olivine Solomon +3 Northern Hub 28. Olivine Solomon +4 Northern Hub 29. Olivine Solomon +5 Northern Hub 30. Norman Tayley Northern Hub 31. Nerelle Nichol RAP 2014-15 Project Team 32. Michelle Weare Southern Hub 33. Mary-Anne Port Northern Hub 34. Mary-Anne Port +1 Northern Hub 35. Mary-Anne Port +2 Northern Hub Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 190 36. Mary-Anne Port +3 Northern Hub 37. Marita Budden Southern Hub 38. Margaret Go Sam Southern Hub 39. Linda Leftwich Northern Hub / RAP 2014-15 Project Team 40. Judy Leftwich Northern Hub 41. Joshua Weare Southern Hub 42. Jonathon Link Northern Hub 43. Joann Schmider Central Hub 44. Jim Turnour The Cairns Institute, JCU / Wet Tropics Cultural Values Project 45. Joann Schmider Central Hub / RAP 2014-15 Project Team 46. Jenny Joyce Central Hub / RAP 2014-15 Project Team 47. Janine Gertz Southern Hub / JCU 48. Hilton Noble Central Hub 49. Gerry Turpin Central Hub 50. Gerry Berry Southern Hub 51. Gavin Singleton Central Hub 52. Gary Searle Terrain NRM 53. Frankie Deemal Northern Hub 54. Frankie Deemal +1 Northern Hub 55. Ernie Raymont Central Hub 56. Desley Thompson Central Hub / RAP 2014/15 Project Team 57. Coralie Cassady Southern Hub 58. Coralie Cassady +1 Southern Hub 59. Cecil Leftwich Central Hub 60. Carole Sweatman Terrain NRM 61. Carleen Hunter Northern Hub 62. Betty Cashmere Southern Hub 63. Arthur Johnson Southern Hub 64. Anthony Penrith RAP 2014-15 Project Team 65. Alwyn Lyall Northern Hub 66. Alwyn Lyall +1 Northern Hub 67. Alwyn Lyle +2 Northern Hub 68. Allison Holliday Central Hub 69. Alf Joyce Central Hub 70. Alan Dale The Cairns Institute, JCU / Wet Tropics Cultural Values Project Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 191 Provided input in the on-ground engagement (some of these also inputted through the Booran Gathering) 71. Zanna Henry 104. Njrami Fourmile 72. Yasmin Johnson 105. Natasha Grogan 73. Wilma Togo 106. Natascha Czygan 74. Whitney Rassip 107. Monica Fourmile 75. Wendy Williams 108. Michael Johnson 76. Victor Maund 109. Michael Cashmere 77. Veronica Spina 110. Melissa Pedro 78. Veronica Blanco 111. Maude Hastie 79. Valma Togo 112. Mark Devow 80. Tandia Singleton 113. Marjorie Kinjun 81. Steven Gibson 114. Marjorie Fourmile 82. Stella Joyce 115. Marian McCarthy 83. Sonya Jeffrey 116. Margaret Smallwood 84. Sharyll Ellington 117. Marcia Jerry 85. Sarah Kyle 118. Malcolm Gertz 86. Sam Backo 119. Lynelle Murgha 87. Sally Davis 120. Lyle Brim 88. Roslyn Newberry 121. Lucresia Willett 89. Robyn Bellafquih 122. Lorna Shuan 90. Robert Walker 123. Loretta Baker 91. Robert Patterson 124. Lloyd Fourmile Oombunghi 92. Richard Wilson 125. Lillian Fourmile 93. Rhonda Duffin 126. Lester Bloomfield 94. Renette Rosas 127. Kylie Grogan 95. Raelea Connolly-Neal 128. Keisha Henry - 96. Philip Missionary 129. Kayla Joinbee 97. Paulene Burns 130. Kaya Hobbler 98. Patrick Kennedy 131. Karla Riley 99. Pat Hoolihan 132. Karen Guivarra 100. Pamela Kennedy 133. June Noble 101. Norman Elliott 134. Julie Salam 102. Noralyn Harris 135. Juanita Barlow Patterson 103. Nola Smallwood 136. Juan Walker Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 192 137. Josh Williams 171. Elenor Griven 138. Josh 172. Elaine Morganson 139. Joe Morgan 173. Elaine Cashmere 140. Joanne Boyd 174. Eddie Turpin 141. Jessica Grant 175. Doris Kinjun 142. Jerry Gutchen 176. Desley Thompson 143. Jermaine Herbohn 177. Danny Hooligan 144. Jenny Carson 178. Daniel Gutchen 145. Jennifer Ryan 179. Daniel Fischer 146. Jennifer Martens 180. Dale Simon 147. Jedda Priman 181. Cliff Roger 148. James Fourmile 182. Clem Riley 149. Ivan Brim 183. Christina Freeman 150. Ivan Baird 184. Chrissy George 151. Irene Hunter 185. Cheryl Quartermaine 152. Hope Patterson 186. Chenoa Smallwood 153. Holly Backo 187. Charlie Morganson 154. Helenia Creek 188. Charles Roger 155. Harold Tayley 189. Caroline Warta 156. Harold Duffin 190. Brian Hunter 157. Gwen Schrieber 191. Brayden Grogan 158. Gracie Richards 192. Braudley Thompson 159. Gerry Berry 193. Billy Morganson 160. Gerald Nandy 194. Beryl Shuan 161. Gerald Fourmile 195. Barry Hunter Snr 162. Gavin Singleton Snr 196. Arthur Johnson 163. Galiina Ellwood 197. Anthony Fourmile 164. Gabriel Satrick 198. Anthony Edwards Snr 165. Fred Williams 199. Alvin Salt 166. Faye Cashmere 200. Alisha Cashmere-Bamaga 167. Evelyn Yorkey 201. Ainsley Dangar 168. Ethel Cras 202. Aden William Brim 169. Emma Costello 203. Aaron Toby 170. Elverina Johnson 220 Anonymous x 18 of Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 193 Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 194 Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ 2014 Feedback about Cultural and Natural Resource Management 195