Weaving Knowledges One Yarn at a Time
Creating a space within Landcare where we can share our stories and together make sense of what it means to be in a good relationship with Aboriginal Communities.
Capacity building - LEP23_036_LEP13_3
The issue
For a long time, Landcare’s focus has been to support farmers, conservationists, and community members to come together to protect the land they relied on. During this time Landcare used mostly Western environmental methods to address issues such as salinity, erosion and declining biodiversity and soil health.
In more recent times, Landcare in NSW has acknowledged that working with Aboriginal people and business’ to implement Traditional knowledges, is integral for improving ecological and cultural outcomes for Country and people. As a result, they have committed to inviting Aboriginal People to work alongside Landcare NSW through Aboriginal Landcare Coordinator roles and genuine partnership building.
The solution
NSW Landcare Enabling Program team members Den Barber (Aboriginal Partnerships Manager) and Peter Pigott (Community of Practice and Events Coordinator) identified the importance of bringing like-minded people together to share stories and support each other in the work of building partnerships. Consequently, the Weaving Knowledges Community of Aboriginal Partnerships Practice (COAPP) was developed in consultation with Aboriginal Landcare Officers Nioka Dupond and Michael Kennedy. This co-design method has provided a space to support emotional and psychological safety, as well as cultural safety. The purpose was clearly defined, whereby people are invited to share their experiences and learn about building partnerships with Aboriginal people. This space supports people to share their successes and tussle with things that are not easy.
The impact
The Weaving Knowledge’s COAPP is a place that participants are returning to, and the comments gathered so far has been “I’m here to learn”, “I’m here because I find this space calming” and “I just love to be in this space”. The stories that are shared have helped participants to understand the steps we need to take in building partnerships and some of the factors that support success. Participants have also been able to experience what culturally safe codesign and partnership can look like through the facilitation and discussions from Nioka and Peter.
Through this shared experience, participants grow their confidence and realise they are not alone, as others are navigating the same successes and challenges.
Key facts
- Connectedness creates wholeness.
- Country needs our partnerships.
- Courageous conversations build trust.