Water Justice in Australia and The Pacific

In partnership with Minority Rights Group International, Western Sydney University are delighted to host the Australian launch of Focus on Water – Minority and Indigenous Trends 2023 Report https://minorityrights.org/publications/trends2023/.

The Report features 32 country-specific case studies and contributions from many Indigenous knowledge keepers and minority group activists as well as the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on Water.

This event includes keynote addresses by Nyikina Warrwa Elder Professor Anne Poelina and Mr. Sandy Sur (Ni-Vanuatu) who discuss their contributions to the report in the Australia and in The Pacific contexts. The event includes a Darug Yarning as well as a Yarning with D’harawal Traditional Descendants and Knowledge Holders Circle, including Aunty Frances Bodkin; Uncle Gavin Andrews; Uncle John Foster; Aunty Karen Adams; Shannon Foster.The event concludes with an open conversation about water justice and rights globally, with researchers, students, Traditional Owners and Custodians, and partners across Western Sydney and beyond.

Program

09:30 Welcome to Country by Aunty Jacinta Tobin
09:40 Opening remarks by Professor Gawaian Bodkin-Andrews, Director of Indigenous Research, Western Sydney University
09:50 Introduction to Minority and Indigenous Trends 2023 – Focus on water Report (Zoom) Nicolás Salazar, Commissioning Editor, Minority Rights Group International
10:00 Keynote Address: Professor Anne Poelina, Chair Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council; Co-Chair of Indigenous Studies, Nulungu Research Institute, University of Notre Dame
10:40 Darug Yarning: Parramatta, Hawkesbury, and Nepean Rivers with Brad Moore, Uncle Chris Tobin and Aunty Jacinta Tobin
11:10 Break
11:30 Keynote Address Sandy Sur, Leweton Cultural Experience, Vanuatu
12:00 Yarning D’harawal Traditional Descendants and Knowledge Holders Circle with Aunty Frances Bodkin; Uncle Gavin Andrews; Uncle John Foster; Aunty Karen Adams; and Shannon Foster.
12:35 Open Conversation, Responses and Q&A.
13:05 Concluding remarks Professor Juan Francisco Salazar, Western Sydney University
13:10 Lunch & Video showcase 11 Stories from the Dyarubbin River
14:00 End

This event is organised by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic; the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Leadership; The Research Theme Champions (Environment and Sustaina 09:30 Welcome to Country by Aunty Jacinta Tobin