First Nations people

Increasing clean energy interest in First Nations Countries requires prioritising cultural safety, security and proficiency. If managed sensitively and respectfully, the energy transition offers a chance to bring meaningful outcomes for First Nations Peoples and revitalise their future.

First Nations’ Country is not simply an energy asset – rather, it embodies a complex system of interconnected relationships between People and Country, forming a cohesive BioCultural whole. Each Country contains a rich blend of natural, cultural, human, social, political, financial, and built capital, all of which are crucial for First Nations Communities’ self-determination and sustainable livelihoods, and to inform energy project developments.

Areas of focus

• Cultural landscapes and energy transition  
• BioCultural systems, heritage and biodiversity conservation 
• Community engagement and collaborative project design  
• Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and asset use  
• Community development and sustainability 
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 

Impact and outcomes

• Contribution to First Nations Communities to document BioCultural systems, visions and aspirations and create a valuable framework to inform energy developments
• Development of genuine co-designed research projects that can deliver concrete effective outcomes to First Nations Communities
• Contribution to Australian State and Federal Governments to design Clean Energy Policies that incorporate First Nations demands 
• Development of the Indigenous Energy Landscapes Research Network involving domestic and international organisations