CBCS researchers attend Indigenous Engagement workshop on Heron Island, informing future commitments for the Centre

This June, four CBCS researchers attended the Cultural Awareness Training and Knowledge Exchange workshop at The University of Queensland's Heron Island Research Station (HIRS). The multi-day workshop was facilitated by 8 elders representing the First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng and Taribelang Bunda peoples, and was primarily focused on community, connection and aspiration-building for the next generation. 

"The primary aim is to facilitate Cultural Awareness Training and knowledge sharing that leads to genuine, ongoing relationships between Traditional Owners, Indigenous groups, and the partner institutions and organisations caring for Heron Island and its surrounding reef," said CBCS’s Associate Professor Chris Roelfsema to UQ Media.  

Over four days, participants took part in workshops, underwater experiences, virtual reality sessions, and guided reef and island walks. Throughout, participants engaged in discussions that deepened cultural grounding, strengthened relationships, and clarified what meaningful collaboration should look like. 

“The workshop was a great opportunity to think more carefully about how CBCS as a Centre can engage with Traditional Owners beyond what individual researchers do. Given the enormous contribution that Indigenous people have made to conserving biodiversity, we cannot do too much in this space," says CBCS Director Carissa Klein. 

Such conversations about creating culturally safe spaces, strengthening relationships with Traditional Owners, supporting young people’s pathways into reef‑related study, and fostering genuine co‑design in research helped shape CBCS’s thinking about how its own practices can better reflect these principles. Informed by the workshop discussions, CBCS will begin implementing the following commitments as an initial step in an ongoing process of learning, reflection and action. These commitments are intended to provide a foundation for continued work as CBCS continues to strengthen its practices over time: 

1. Undergraduate scholarship: Aim to earmark an undergraduate scholarship for an Indigenous student through the new Conservation Academy Scholars Program that CBCS is developing with the School of the Environment. 
2. Core cultural learning: Encourage CBCS staff to complete the Workday Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Core Cultural Learning modules. Led by our  ECRss, we will organise sessions to discuss the UQ Indigenous History modules togetherOur first session is on 10 September and will include some delicious bush food inspired treats made by an Indigenous catering company.  
3. Acknowledgement of Country: The CBCS website and newsletter all contain a customised Acknowledgement of Country. 
4. Country as CI: Where relevant, include “Country”, which is a living thing, as a CI on major grant applications involving science on Country. But it does not stop there, throughout the life of the grant, Indigenous engagement is a priority.  
5. Attend Dorrie Day: Working with Coral Watch and The Centre for Marine Science, CBCS recently travelled to Gladstone to engage with Traditional Owners of all ages.