Supporting Aboriginal connections
This theme will deliver research to help Aboriginal peoples maintain their cultural, spiritual, physical and economic relationships with the land and waters in the Cumberland Plain (see Table 1).
Aboriginal researchers will lead the development of the research methods in theme 1, working with Aboriginal stakeholders. The research will provide new knowledge and tools to help carry out both the CPCP and the Caring for Country Strategy.
Subtheme
Knowledge gap/questions to be answered
1.1 Improved management of culturally significant species and places
1.2 Maintaining and providing for Country
1.3 Revive language and culture
1.4 Cultural waterways management
What sites, places and species are culturally important to Aboriginal Custodians and Aboriginal groups in the Cumberland Plain? How can these be mapped or better understood?
How can Aboriginal Custodians lead and be involved in the management of culturally significant sites, places and species?
How do we embed Aboriginal knowledge and practices into conservation policy and land management in Western Sydney?
How can Aboriginal fire and land management practices improve current policies and practices to protect biodiversity and minimise risk to assets and lives?
What is stopping Aboriginal peoples from accessing employment and training pathways in the environmental sector and growing businesses and organisations that provide environmental services?
What role can Aboriginal Custodians and Aboriginal groups play in managing cultural resources such as bush food and medicine to support the cultural ecosystem and personal use of different species?
How can Aboriginal-led tourism support conservation and economic outcomes in the Cumberland Plain?
How can caring for Country improve the mental and physical health of Aboriginal peoples and their ability to pass on knowledge?
How can Aboriginal languages be revived to support outcomes?
How do songlines, stories, and Aboriginal trade trails relate to important connectivity values in the Cumberland Plain and how can these inform connections in the landscape and natural ecosystem?
Understand cultural water sites and the hydrogeology (study of groundwater) of the Cumberland Plain from an Aboriginal perspective.
How can Aboriginal Custodians and other Aboriginal groups’ knowledge and experiences inform the management of waterways, riverbank and wetland areas in the Cumberland Plain?