We aim to facilitate a legacy that is designed with and by First Nations people, not for them.
To us, Inclusion means ‘making room’ for collaboration and partnership rather than engagement and consultation.
Striving for a genuine Inclusion approach requires us to work differently. And, while lessons from other sectors and organisations making this change are useful, CRC TiME needs its own fit-for-purpose systems, processes and capability.
This is why we developed and are implementing the CRC TiME First Nations Inclusion Strategy. The strategy works alongside and directly shapes how we deliver our overarching Strategic Plan, Impact Framework and Research Prioritisation.
Working with First Nations to support their needs, aspirations and leadership
Across our activities, we are working with diverse First Nations people, organisations and community groups to develop resources, tools and information important to them.
This includes work to:
- understand enabling actions for First Nations involvement in mine closure and post-mine transitions (5.6)
- develop Engagement processes to support decisions about mine pit lakes (4.9)
- capturing different First Nations aspirations for pit lakes (4.9)
- prepare community handbooks on the mining lifecycle (5.6)
- developing a suite of VET products to support First Nations leadership, involvement and opportunity in mine closure and transitions (5.6)
- share perspectives through the Restoring Country pilot series, including four webinars.
- ensure Aboriginal organisation needs are incorporated into development of a regional economic transition framework and analytical tools (1.8)
- develop principles for integration of Western Science and Indigenous Knowledge (4.7)
- document lessons Canadian Aboriginal and First Nations approaches to Indigenous-led Regional Cumulative Effects and Management processes and review barriers and opportunities in the Australian context(4.7).
- recognising Indigenous mine closure equipment, technology and services enterprises and growing the sector, including with algae-based technologies (3.15).
We also work to support First Nations Inclusion in partner events and activities.
About the strategy
The CRC TiME First Nations Inclusion Strategy is a living document. It aims to inform every aspect of our operations, including research, partnerships and impact activities.
We undertook a multistage process to develop the strategy, including:
- Commissioning a Regional Hubs Guide with information for researchers and staff about how to engage respectfully and meaningfully with diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations (2021)
- Commissioning the Snap-shot review and recommendations to support development of the CRC TiME Indigenous Inclusion Strategy (2021)
- Commissioning the Foundations for Effective Indigenous Inclusion report (2021-22)
- Developing and releasing the First Nations Inclusion Principles, endorsed by the CRC TiME Board and released in December 2021
- Engaging an independent Indigenous organisation to develop the strategy, drawing on leading practice and findings from other work
- Establishing and seeking advice and feedback from the First Nations Advisory Team.
The process was overseen by a sub-committee of the CRC TiME Board.
The Strategy
The Strategy has four focus areas:
- Leadership and governance
- Impact and translation
- Research and capability
- Participatory frameworks.
As the strategy is implemented, we have a lot to learn and will be open about progress, lessons and successes.
How we implement the strategy
All staff and researchers are expected to understand, apply and contribute to strategy implementation.
How we monitor progress
We report regularly to the CRC TiME Board on progress in each of the four focus areas.
We seek advice from the FNAT on our approach, progress, research, challenges and opportunities.
We provided an overview of implementation activities in our 2022-23 Annual Report.
