Reconciliation Week 27 May to 3 June
4 ways to take action as an AEGN member.
Thursday 27 May marks the beginning of Reconciliation Week which centres on two historical milestones. The 1967 referendum on May 27 saw Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people counted as part of the Australian population for the first time. And the Mabo decision on 3 June 1992 saw the High Court revoke Terra Nullius, recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander native title.
Elevating First Nations perspectives
More and more we see how climate action and nature preservation are inextricably linked to elevating First Nations perspectives. As we take this week to learn about our shared history and reflect on how we can contribute to reconciliation, let us also pay attention to the theme this year: More than a word. Reconciliation takes action.
As an AEGN member, you are in a unique position to take action. Here are four ways to do just that:
1. Fund Indigenous-led projects
Many incredible projects listed on the Clearinghouse and projects that were pitched at the conference still need funding to proceed. While some of these projects have quite substantial funding needs, all contributions will make a big difference.
Indigenous-led projects that pitched for funding at the 2021 conference:
- Country Needs People – supported by Georgia Mathews
- Continuity of Kimberley Indigenous Saltwater Advisory Group – supported by Beau Austin
- Living Knowledge Place (Firesticks Alliance) – supported by Jo Norman
- Supporting the wellbeing of desert rangers (Indigenous Desert Alliance) – supported by Ali Limb
- Communications to stop water extraction in the Martuwarra (Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council)
- Sustainable Aboriginal Agriculture on Noongar Boodja (Noongar Land Enterprise Group)
- Fixing the system that produced Australia’s most toxic mine (Environment Centre Northern Territory) – supported by Keith Ince
Project Clearinghouse projects still needing funding:
- Protecting ancient Anibinik Rainforests (Karrkad Kanjdji Trust) – supported by Nick Chadwick
- Original Power solar community opportunity for Marlinja Community Centre – supported by Bec Milgrom This particular project is fully funded however more funding pledged would enable other opportunities like this in future.
- Fire management in Ngadju country (Ngadju Conservation Aboriginal Corporation) – the core request is now fully funded for year one, but years two and three still require funding. Stretch targets also still require funding.
2. Post a project to the Project Clearinghouse this week that is led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Email projectclearinghouse@aegnlist.org.au with an outline of the project, how much funding it requires and why you think it’s important.
3. Join our Indigenous land and sea management funder group
Email Ione to join ione@aegn.org.au
You can learn more about this funder group in the environmental issues and solutions section of our website.
Also see how members were inspired by Bruce and Jack Pascoe when they spoke at our annual conference this year. Read 10 ideas on how to fund Indigenous agriculture
4. Watch the Indigenous land and sea management, agriculture and advocacy conference showcase
Learn more
If you would like to learn more about Reconciliation Week, visit reconciliation.org.au
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