First Nations’ Knowledge & Economy Conference

Summary

The First Nations Knowledge & Economy Conference, from 26-28 November was held at the Curlewis Golf Club on Wadawurrung Country. The Conference was hosted by Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations. It focused on the Victorian Traditional Owner Native Foods and Botanicals Strategy (TONFABS) and its Cultural Protocol. Attendees explored how protecting Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) can preserve cultural knowledge for Traditional Owner groups and foster economic growth within the native foods and botanicals industry. This 2.5-day event brought together Traditional Owners, ICIP experts and industry leaders, offering a platform to discuss the rights of Indigenous communities and strategies for achieving equitable partnerships. With 40 attendees, the Conference spotlighted collaboration, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment.

As a company, Ke. Creative Events take pride in incorporating Indigenous products in to as many events as possible from florals, speaker gifts, handwash to catering, this event made us review the original source of each product to ensure they are from the Traditional Owners of the land they originate from.

Cultural Significance

The Conference décor featured Indigenous florals, thoughtfully selected to reflect the natural beaty and cultural significance. Kangaroo paw and gum leaves, celebrated the connection between Traditional Owners and their land while creating a meaningful atmosphere.

In addition, an abundance of Indigenous ingredients was incorporated into the catering. This showcased unique flavours and heritage or native foods which reinforced the events focus on Native Foods and Botanicals. Foods such as saltbush damper, emu steak, wattle seed custard cake and oyster mushroom pies gave guests a range of dishes to try.

Each delegate’s name tag featured embedded native seeds symbolising a deep connection to country. These were Olearia Pimeleoides – Pimelea Daisy Bush provided by First People of the Millewa-Mallee Aboriginal Corporation and attendees were provided instructions on how best to plant them. Instead of an event branded lanyard that is often thrown away or recycled after an event we chose a meaningful Indigenous design from NT which delegates loved. The lanyards were created by the team at “Helping People Achieve”. These additions reflected the cultural importance of nurturing the land, while offering attendees a meaningful keepsake that encouraged them to engage with Indigenous knowledge and practices.

Program Highlights

Expert-Led Discussions

Sessions delved into topics such as “What is Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP)” and “Leveraging blockchain technology to protect ICIP rights.” Workshops provided actionable insights into branding, labelling and access agreements to ensure economic returns benefit Traditional Owner communities.

Cultural Connection

The event began with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Traditional Owners of the land the event was held on. Delegates got to immerse themselves in the smoke for a cleanse. Native ingredients featured prominently in meals, offering guests a taste of the cultural and economic potential of native goods.

Networking and Collaboration

Daily networking events were held in spaces with plenty of natural light, beautiful green views and direct access to outside, including a welcome BBQ, Post-Conference Drinks, Conference dinner and lunch times in-between sessions. This fostered relationships among delegates, Traditional Owners and industry stakeholders. As guests registered for the event it was great to see their delight when they would see the names of other delegates on name badges that they haven’t seen for a long time. It was a vibrant atmosphere throughout the event as a result.

Practical Application

Case studies demonstrated the TONFABS Cultural Protocol in action, illustrating how Traditional Owner businesses can thrive while protecting ICIP. Delegates explored how TONFABS can fill gaps in Australian law with “soft law” approaches to cultural and economic rights.

Key Outcomes

Delegates left with tools to implement the TONFABS protocol, ensuring that Traditional Owners gain recognition and financial returns from their knowledge and resources.
The event paved the way for new partnerships between Traditional Owners and industries, with several delegates reporting plans to integrate TONFABS principles into their business practices.
Sessions on blockchain technology and the ‘Native Medicinals’ industry gave delegates the chance to ask important questions. This meant the projects shared would be executed ethically and receive the proper collaboration from Traditional Owner groups and communities.
Discussions emphasised how native foods and botanicals align with environmental stewardship, reinforcing the connection between cultural heritage and sustainability.

The First Nations’ Knowledge & Economy Conference 2024 was a milestone in fostering Indigenous leadership in economic development while safeguarding cultural heritage. By aligning economic strategies with cultural values, the event set a precedent for respectful partnerships.

Testimonials

“I really enjoyed the conference and am sure we all learned and shared a lot with each other. Well done to you and the Team in bringing it all together so smoothly.

A lovely venue and facilities. Accommodation was great.”

Dr Diana Smith

Program Manager – Cultural Heritage

Djaara Balaki Wuka

“The event ran seamlessly. There was clearly so much thought put all the elements of the day, and that really shone through.”

Tara Callinan

Associate

Head of consulting

SGS Economics and Planning