In NAIDOC Week we’ve asked our Indigenous Partnership Team what it means to them.

Derek Beaut, Partnership Project Officer, says:
“NAIDOC – it’s a celebration of our people and our culture.  It’s an opportunity for people from all walks of life to share the richness of our ancient culture in the present context.  It’s also a time to reflect on the past to help gain an understanding of how things have come be the way they are, which enables us to decide how we wish to move forward to guide others.”

He also said, and we love this, that it’s a privilege to be helping mob by being part of Terrain NRM.

‘How Terrain helps to make mob deadly’ – Derek Beaut

“As an Indigenous employee at Terrain NRM, I’m proud to be part of an organisation that recognises First Nations peoples as the original custodians of Country and managers of natural resources.

“It’s an organisation that cares. Since starting with Terrain, I’ve found it encouraging that this NRM doesn’t come to communities with pre-determined solutions. Instead, it works alongside our people to support our aspirations for Country, respecting our cultural authority, knowledge systems and decision-making processes.

“Daily, from the inside out, I see Terrain’s understanding of working with Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples. I see it in the way this organisation helps Traditional Owner groups to manage landscapes, waterways, forests and coastal environments so that our people’s vital knowledge about caring for Country – over tens of thousands of years – stays at the forefront.

“Terrain’s role is to build genuine partnerships based on trust, respect and long-term relationships with Traditional Owner groups. I see the way Terrain listens first, supports community-led priorities and creates opportunities for Traditional Owner groups to lead projects that align with their cultural, environmental, social and economic goals.