Co-designing with the cultural values of water for First Nations peoples

November 2022 Workshop outcomes by Hayley Langsdorf – Thoughts Drawn Out

Following an event held in late 2022, Water Modelling through a Cultural Lens, we became aware that the colonial legacy of Australia is entrenched in the very fabric of institutions such as the Constitution and continues to shape contemporary practices. At this online event, Prof Chris Matthews FTSE Quandamooka man, Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement) at UTS and Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematical Association (ATSIMA) extended these reflections whilst observing the paradigm shift towards embracing Aboriginal knowledge within mathematical processes to benefit communities and advance math education.

Chris shared that the failure to acknowledge diverse knowledge systems not only impedes progress but also perpetuates disparities, as evidenced by the ongoing struggle to close the gap across numerous sectors. However, initiatives like ATSIMA, the development of cultural competency within organisations like the work being undertaken by Declan Hearne at Seqwater, and projects such as Bec Barnett’s that seek to incorporate First Nations peoples’ knowledge and develop meaningful relationships between communities and project teams, are beginning to flourish.

Incorporating First Nations Knowledge in Water Modelling: A Case Study on the Application of Outcomes

Bec, Director at Relative Creative and project lead for a recent QWMN multi-phase RDI project to establish a framework for incorporating First Nations knowledge with water modelling, shared an update of the outcomes from this multi-phase QWMN RDI project: Incorporating First Nations Knowledge in Water Modelling: A Case Study on the Application of Outcomes. Together with Water Technology, Mandandanji Traditional Owner Aunty Kay Blades, and the Qld Murray-Darling Catchments Aboriginal Rangers, the application of findings from their 2022 pilot study, has helped better refocus and better align project activities, shifting thinking towards ensuring cultural values, local knowledge and Indigenous land management practices are sought and welcomed.

Co-design processes, serve as vehicles for knowledge exchange and reconciliation however, the lack of corporate maturity in addressing First Nations issues underscores the need for sustained commitment beyond individual champions. Achieving best practices in partnerships not only requires skill development but also a willingness to listen and adapt to diverse perspectives.

Mutual respect lies at the root of healthy partnerships

Moving forward, a multi-disciplinary approach coupled with cultural awareness is essential. From incorporating local place names to recognising the interconnectedness of land and water, every step must be guided by meaningful engagement with First Nations communities. While funding and time constraints pose significant challenges, they are not insurmountable and proper remuneration for time and expertise is not only a matter of equity but also a step towards closing the gap. With executive support and a commitment to meaningful engagement, projects can yield transformative outcomes that benefit both Aboriginal communities and society at large.

The QWMN Water Modelling Pipeline, reimagined by Relative Creative and Water Technology in a 2023 QWMN RDI project.

Small Group Activity

During the session we held small group discussions where participants from across the sector provided feedback on two questions:

1. What skills or needs do you require to enable you to do co-design work with First nations Groups?
2. Are there any project or organisational gaps that need to be overcome to support this co-design work?

Below is a collation of the responses from this activity. 

Relationship building  

• Skill to develop trusted, long-term relationship 
• Skill to re-establish relationship  
• Building on existing relationships and adherence to free prior and informed consent principles throughout the process. 
• Develop contacts and relationships with First Nations Groups 
• Understanding of how to build trust 
• Build trust as history has placed us in a relationship of distrust 
• Offer an enduring benefit to the first nations people 

Cultural awareness 

• Seek cultural awareness training 
• Cultural protocols for engagement 
• How to engage with cultural values 
• A need to be present in their environment 
• Unlearning … decolonising my own perspectives 
• Internal cultural awareness and self awareness 
• Enhance my interest in learning  
• Learn First nations Language 

Communication  

• Use open communication  
• Active Listening 
• Ability to listen for meaning 
• Understand communication protocol 
• Practice open mindedness  

On country and with community  

• Make time to go to country 
• Understanding of any established first nation aspirations (do your homework before going to community) 
• Get to the place and learn how to listen 
• Understanding of social structures, who are the key elders to engage with. 
• Understanding cultural history 
• Be aware of engagement options and understanding of participation frameworks 

Other issues  

• Understand of relevant legislation (native title, cultural heritage, human rights)
• Understanding what Free Prior and Informed Consent actually entails and means 
• Ways to address Indigenous cultural information protocols 
• Be trauma informed 

In conclusion, the journey towards integrating Aboriginal knowledge into water modelling processes is not merely about numbers and equations, it is about recognising the inherent value of diverse perspectives, fostering relationships built on respect and trust, and ultimately, creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Watch online event recording

Additional Resources

• Event article – Water Modelling through a Cultural Lens, held in November 2022
• Cultural awareness training workshop that was recommended by Lee Foster during the session https://www.turrbal.com.au/turrbal-dippil/cultural-awareness-training
• Reference to Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property and data sovereignty suggested by Bec Barnett – https://www.terrijanke.com.au/post/indigenous-data-sovereignty-the-legal-and-cultural-considerations
• Reports from the St George Co-Design project:
  • Summary report from Relative Creative
  • Technical Recommendations Report from Water Technology