In November, members of the University of NSW (UNSW) Centre for Ecosystem Science (CES) Flow-MER team attended a Cultural Connections for Scientists workshop. The workshop was presented by the UNSW-CES’s Macquarie River and Marshes Flow-MER Cultural Outcomes lead and Wayilwan woman, Danielle Flakelar, and Associate Professor of Practice and Nari Nari man, Rene Woods.

The in-depth presentation looked at many topics around engagement with Aboriginal People and gave attendees a better understanding of Indigenous People’s relationship with and responsibility to the environment and their communities.

The importance of building and gaining trust over time was discussed including ensuring sufficient timeframes and social outcomes are incorporated into project plans. Danielle shared that Aboriginal People will often be, “Walking at the speed of trust.”

The presenters stressed the importance of gaining an understanding of the history of trauma and displacement experienced by Aboriginal People since colonisation and doing research to understand the community and its history before visiting or commencing engagement.

Valuable advice was shared on identifying the correct people to connect with. These include local Elders and Elder groups who will have lived experience On Country, and native title holders who are proven descendants of the first-known Traditional Owners and have knowledge and stories of the Country and practice culture.

The topic of cultural safety and confidence building was covered. Danielle discussed that not all Aboriginal People are comfortable with formal and institutional protocols and events, and the benefits of giving Aboriginal People their own physical and safe space to retreat to and having a mentor present for support.

Other areas covered included:

• Ensuring there is benefit for the community in being involved in any research
• That Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) must always be protected
• To empower Aboriginal People to share their history and knowledge in ways that they determine
• Ensuring Aboriginal People are given authorship or acknowledgement for their contribution or knowledge shared to a research project.

A simple but powerful lesson from the workshop was to ask if you are unsure, especially as each community is different.

For example, ask if the community prefers the name First Nations, Indigenous, Aboriginal or something else. Likewise, ask if people wish you to call them by the cultural and respect titles of Auntie or Uncle, or if deceased people can be acknowledged.

And keep asking. Approval should be requested with each use, not just once. This ensures Aboriginal People maintain ownership of the information and that it is not being reproduced or told incorrectly. 

The CEWH Flow-MER Program Cultural Outcomes icon above is used as part of the UNSW CES's Flow-MER communications.

This Aboriginal artwork symbolises a meeting place and was produced by Rebecca Salcole (nee Harris) a Wiradjuri woman.