Thinking seven generations ahead
22 August 2023
Part of the AEGN’s mission is to deepen members’ understanding of the many ways philanthropy can support the environment — ultimately to maximise their impact. To this end, we produce a regular podcast series where members share stories of effective leadership for our planet, climate and future.
Adrian Appo generously shared his story with AEGN CEO Amanda Martin in July 2023. Key take-aways from their conversation follow.
To listen to the episode and access a full transcript and show notes, head to our podcast page.
Fund systemic change
“I’ve seen investment and funding going into an activity, and it’s just perpetuating the problem … [E]specially into the First Nations space, but generally across the not-for-profit sector and environmental space, are we funding the same actions only to end up with the same result, or are we looking at systemic change to make a difference?” (See Acting at a systems level )
Think seven generations ahead
“What are we doing and what are our actions doing for seven generations ahead? That is very much what shapes First Nations thinking. And that’s certainly something that we can learn from First Nations people across the world — that the immediate benefit is not always the best benefit for the return of our endeavours.”
Look after Country (it will look after you)
“When you look at caring for land and being a part of the land practice of First Nations people, it’s been a symbiotic relationship that benefits both and has cared for both. If we then compare the last 200 years, where very much it’s the land and environment are a commodity, we haven’t done so well.”
Listen — and build trust
“Are we shaping the world based on what we determine we will fund or are we basing our decision-making on what we are hearing from those on the ground? … [W]e’ve adopted very much that First Nations approach of building a trusted relationship before we transact business.” (See Taking a partnership approach )
Fund First Nations climate solutions
“If we look at flicking the switch and stopping all carbon pollution today, we’ve still got a carbon pollution problem, and part of that solution is carbon sequestration. One of the better areas of carbon sequestration is coming from savannah burning projects [where] you can be pulling carbon out of the atmosphere. And the other benefit is it goes into the soil, and you have carbon-enriched soils.” (See funding opportunities in this area.)
Bring your whole self — your wealth, skills and partners
“[W]e should be bringing our whole mindset and our whole selves to the table when we’re working with what we call First Nations partners … we’re very specific about saying, hey, we are a partner other than a funder; as a partner, we are providing the support that we can, and then we look at what other resources do we need to bring to the table.”
Value your vote
“I applaud AEGN’s stand to support the yes vote. I truly believe within my heart that it is the right thing to do and that … the yes vote is a nation-healing exercise between white and Aboriginal Australia … We should value our vote to the extent that we’re going to be educated. And it’s our responsibility to educate ourselves in terms of having the right information to make that decision.”
We need to be thinking big, and we need to be looking at how are we establishing that ecosystem of strong and resilient and powerful Aboriginal organisations to do the works in land management that they are wanting to do.
Adrian Appo
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