Stories of One Basin: First Nations knowledge and Indigenous-led research to address climate change
Project Lead/s
Status
In Progress
Project Type
Round 1
Timeframe
Ongoing
Core Partners
Charles Sturt University, University of Sydney
This project will empower First Nations peoples within the Murray–Darling Basin by elevating their role in shaping future water management strategies. Historically marginalised, First Nations knowledge and governance systems offer invaluable insights crucial for tackling the basin’s challenges, especially under looming threats from climate change.
About this project
The project addresses a legacy of exclusion and marginalization of First Nations peoples in MDB science and policy. By elevating their roles, it seeks to harness Indigenous knowledge and governance to foster socio-ecological resilience.
Through two distinct work packages, the project aims to establish an Indigenous governance framework within the One Basin Cooperative Research Centre. This framework will facilitate Indigenous-led research initiatives while safeguarding intellectual and cultural property rights.
The project adopts a co-design approach, involving Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders in collaborative decision-making. It includes:
- Stories of One Basin: Gathering insights and experiences from stakeholders via methods like oral histories and ethnography, guided by Indigenist Standpoint Pedagogy to critique current practices and propose transformative changes.
- Relational inquiry for improved knowledge systems: Engaging in participatory research and action to co-develop best practices for Indigenous-led research, this process fosters a community of practice aimed at creating an indigenous governance framework, including indigenous data governance and evaluation strategies.
This project is a critical step towards rectifying historical injustices and promoting sustainable water management practices guided by Indigenous wisdom and values. It aims not only to empower First Nations within MDB but also to set a global precedent in integrating Indigenous perspectives into environmental governance and policy-making.
Outcomes
This project aims to build cultural capability within through relationship-building and knowledge-sharing activities, strengthen collaborative relationships and identify opportunities for transformative change, and
institute socio-cultural and institutional transformations, guided by Indigenous-led research and governance frameworks.