NAILSMA presents at the 2nd National Land and Sea Conference - Cardwell

The Girringun Aboriginal Corporation successfully hosted the 2^nd National Indigenous Land and Sea Management Conference in Cardwell North Queensland early October 2007. The aim of the conference was to bring together community land and sea managers to share stories and determine future direction for land and sea management across the country.

The second conference followed the inaugural National Land and Sea Management Conference that was held east of Alice Springs in April 2005. Details on that conference can be found on the Caring for Country web site. Resolutions from the inaugural conference recognised five main issues:
* Governance
* Traditional Knowledge
* Heritage
* Youth
* Employment & Training
* Sustainable Economic Development

On the first day of the 2nd National Land and Sea Management Conference the concept of NAILSMA was introduced. Plenary speaker, Peter Yu, Independent Chair of NAILSMA presented a paper titled 'Growing the Alliance'. In brief, Peter discussed NAILSMA's foundation and its role in assisting the capacity of Indigenous people to live and work on their country, the challenges faced in achieving its goals and the future directions in achieving them. A copy of Peter's paper can be downloaded from this page, see below.

The 'Caring for Country' theme of the 2nd National Land and Sea Management Conference was ideal for NAILSMA staff to present brief overviews of their respective land and sea management projects. NAILSMA is currently working in a number of key areas including marine, fire, water, leadership, enterprise development and communications. The Programs and Projects web page provides more information on each of the NAILSMA projects.

NAILSMA had an information booth set up throughout the conference that allowed for more informal discussions about NAILSMA and its land and sea management projects. At the booth, the NAILSMA Enterprise Development unit promoted one of its business enterprises that has been developed by the Wagiman Guwardagun Rangers of the Upper Daly in the Northern Territory. Two of its Rangers brought along a selection of its community's hand made products as an incentive for other groups looking for ideas and information on starting their own business ventures.

The 2nd National Land and Sea Management Conference was successful in bringing together land and sea managers to share their stories and aspirations. It was clear from this forum that Indigenous people and directed in their approach for caring for their country and are moving forward to achieve this. NAILSMA was grateful to be part of this process.

NAILSMA thanks the traditional owners of Girramay and the surrounding regions for welcoming us to their country. NAILSMA would also like to thank Girringun Aboriginal Corporation for hosting the conference, the Indigenous Advisory Committee for facilitating the sessions, the Cardwell Shire Council for supporting the event and the many sponsors. Special thanks are also given to Daphne and Brenda Huddleston for supporting NAILSMA at the conference.