The Girringun Aboriginal
Corporation successfully hosted the 2nd National
Indigenous Land and Sea Management Conference in Cardwell North
Queensland early October 2007. The aim of the conference was to
bring together community land and sea managers to share stories and
determine future direction for land and sea management across the
country.
The second conference
followed the inaugural National Land and Sea Management Conference
that was held east of Alice Springs in April 2005. Details on that
conference can be found on the Caring for Country web site.
Resolutions from the inaugural conference recognised five main
issues:
* Governance
* Traditional Knowledge
* Heritage
* Youth
* Employment & Training
* Sustainable Economic Development
On the first day of the 2nd
National Land and Sea Management Conference the concept of NAILSMA
was introduced. Plenary speaker, Peter Yu, Independent Chair of
NAILSMA presented a paper titled 'Growing the Alliance'. In brief,
Peter discussed NAILSMA's foundation and its role in assisting the
capacity of Indigenous people to live and work on their country,
the challenges faced in achieving its goals and the future
directions in achieving them. A copy of Peter's paper can be
downloaded from this page, see below.
The 'Caring for Country'
theme of the 2nd National Land and Sea Management Conference was
ideal for NAILSMA staff to present brief overviews of their
respective land and sea management projects. NAILSMA is currently
working in a number of key areas including marine, fire, water,
leadership, enterprise development and communications. The Programs and Projects web page provides more information on
each of the NAILSMA projects.
NAILSMA had an information
booth set up throughout the conference that allowed for more
informal discussions about NAILSMA and its land and sea management
projects. At the booth, the NAILSMA Enterprise team promoted one of
its business enterprises that has been developed by the Wagiman
Guwardagun Rangers of the Upper Daly in the Northern Territory. Two
of its Rangers brought along a selection of its community's hand
made products as an incentive for other groups looking for ideas
and information on starting their own business ventures.
The 2nd National Land and
Sea Management Conference was successful in bringing together land
and sea managers to share their stories and aspirations. It was
clear from this forum that Indigenous people and directed in their
approach for caring for their country and are moving forward to
achieve this. NAILSMA was grateful to be part of this
process.
Acknowledgements
NAILSMA thanks the
traditional owners of Girramay and the surrounding regions for
welcoming us to their country. NAILSMA would also like to thank
Girringun Aboriginal Corporation for hosting the conference, the
Indigenous Advisory Committee for facilitating the sessions, the
Cardwell Shire Council for supporting the event and the many
sponsors. Special thanks are also given to Daphne and Brenda
Huddleston for supporting NAILSMA at the conference.
You can download a copy of
Peter Yu’s presentation paper at:
http://www.nailsma.org.au/nailsma/forum/downloads/Cardwell-speech-07.pdf
Caring for Country website: http://www.caringforcountry.com.au
