Standard Presentation Australian Marine Sciences Association Annual Meeting 2023

Facilitating cross-cultural partnerships in Research, Development and Economic outputs, the South Australian First Nations-led Sea Country Research Alliance (#167)

Shane Holland 1 , Paul Rogers 2 , Melissa Nursey-Bray 3 , Sarah-Lena Reinhold 4 , Garry Goldsmith 5 , Robyn Campbell 6 , David New 7 , Tiahni Adamson 8 , Delahay Miller 9 , Emmalene Richards 10 , Natan Noel 11 , Uncle Rod O’Brien 12
  1. FNSCR Alliance Chair and Manager, Indigenous Engagement - Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, Kaurna Country, SA, Australia
  2. Manager Biodiversity, Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia
  3. Department in Geography, University of Adelaide, Kaurna Country, SA, Australia
  4. School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Kaurna Country, SA, Australia
  5. Narungga Traditional Owner and Wiri Miya Aboriginal Corporation Chairperson, Kaurna Country, SA, Australia
  6. Traditional Custodian, First Nations of the SE & CEO Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation, ,, SA, Australia
  7. Engagement Coordinator, First Nations Partnerships, Limestone Coast Landscape Board, Mount Gambier, SA, Australia
  8. Kaurareg woman, Lead Community Engagement Officer, Ch4 Global, Kaurna Country, SA, Australia
  9. Wirangu Traditional Owner and Manager, PwC Indigenous Consulting Pty Ltd, Kaurna Country, SA, Australia
  10. Barngarla Traditional Owner and Indigenous Engagement Consultant, Barngarla Country, SA, Australia
  11. Dunghutti Traditional Custodian, Marine Scientist, Environment Protection Authority, Kaurna Country, SA, Australia
  12. Uncle Rod O’Brien, , Kaurna Elder and cultural advisor University of Adelaide, Kaurna Country, SA, Australia

Elevating and reinstating the cultural practices, knowledges, and contemporary priorities of coastal Indigenous groups are essential to the conservation of Sea Country in the face of changing climates and the emancipation of colonisation. To foster much-needed shifts in power and the governance structures associated with Sea Country management and research, Indigenous-led platforms for cross-cultural collaborations, research capacity strengthening, and strategic policy developments are vital. In South Australia, over the past three years, the South Australia First Nations-led Sea Country Research (FNSCR) Alliance, made up of Elders and/or representatives from five Aboriginal coastal groups across South Australia and supported by South Australian Government public servants and University researchers have successfully created a platform for facilitating Sea Country research, development and economic cross-cultural relationship building in an advisory capacity. This presentation provides insight into the establishment and successes and learnings of such a strategic Alliance. We will discuss our future aspirations under the banner of economic-social and cultural-ecological outputs whilst exploring the importance of understanding and embracing coastal cultural diversity and the time needed to strengthen and form meaningful relationships.