The Indigenous Engagement Program commenced in 2006 and is guided by an Aboriginal Advisory Committee with membership including representatives from:
the NSW Aboriginal Land Council,
the NSW Aboriginal Legal Service,
Native Title Services,
Department of Aboriginal Affairs,
Department of Environment and Climate Change,
Local Government Association,
Catchment Management Authority, and
private practice.
The Committee provides guidance, feedback and expert advice on strategic direction for the Program.
Indigenous Peoples and the Convention on Biodiversity
The EDO's Aboriginal Solicitor, Neva Collings, participates in the meetings
of the Convention on Biodiversity through the International Indigenous
Forum on Biodiversity (IIFB).
Caring for Country is the major project of the Indigenous Engagement Program.
The EDO published Caring for Country: A Guide to Environmental Law for Aboriginal Communities,
bringing together the wide range of laws relating to country, culture and heritage that affect Aboriginal people in NSW.
The guide is intended to assist Aboriginal people to understand their
rights and obligations under environmental and natural resource management
law.
The guide is complemented by a series of workshops in key locations around NSW. For more information on these workshops please visit the workshops page of the website. The EDO welcomes requests for workshops from Aboriginal people across NSW.
Indigenous Solicitor
The EDO employs an Indigenous Solicitor, Ms Neva Collings, to help the EDO to more effectively engage with Aboriginal people and communities.
As well as education and outreach activities, Neva provides legal advice
and undertakes policy work to promote the development of environmental
law and policy that incorporates Indigenous perspectives.
