Research PresentationResearch PresentationTopic: Governance or GreedTopic: Governance or Greed

by Jillian Marsh, PhD Candidateby Jillian Marsh, PhD Candidate

Adelaide UniversityAdelaide University

DKCRC Scholarship recipientDKCRC Scholarship recipient

Thesis titleThesis title

A critical analysis of the decision-making protocols used in approving a commercial mining license for Beverley Uranium Mine

in Adnyamathanha country:

toward effective Indigenous participation in caring for cultural resources

Vada Ardlanha Vada Ardlanha or Paralana Hot or Paralana Hot

Spring … Spring …

land of our spirit land of our spirit ancestor ancestor

Virdnimuranha Virdnimuranha

but the land is but the land is not always thisnot always this

calm …calm …

Indigenous research ethicsIndigenous research ethics

• National protocols and guidelines can be found on these websites: AIATSIS, AHC, NHMRC

• University standards: Human Research Ethics Committees

• Individual standards: what do YOU think is important

• Community expectations/requirements

Case study units of analysisCase study units of analysis

1. Adnyamathanha decision-making• Remote governance• Capacity building• Decolonisation

2. Beverley EIA• Experiences and values• Best practice

Research DilemmasResearch Dilemmas

• Participatory approach

• Position of researcher

• Ethical guidelines and practices

• Various institutional requirements

Key FindingsKey Findings

• Lack of independent resources for communities;

• Representative model at odds with Indigenous protocols of discussion and decision-making;

• Poor cross cultural communication; limited guidelines for ‘best practice’;

• Narrow interpretation of legislation offers no Indigenous decision making power;

• Inefficient administration of legislation;

• Colonisation of mineral resources eg. corporate focus within EIA procedure; inequitable distribution of work resources;

RecommendationsRecommendations

Philosophy & Practice of Good Governance

• Indigenous philosophies of governance

• Self-determination and capacity building

• Culturally appropriate communication

• Inclusive consultation/negotiation

Who Benefits most from Research?Who Benefits most from Research?

• Improved institutional standards and guidelines – University, industry, govt

• Greater empowerment and control over development within community

• Add to academic body of knowledge

• Creating space for our future generations

ClosingClosing

PhD thesis due for submission Dec 08;

Appalling statistics for Indigenous PhD graduates;

Acknowledgement of DKCRC support;

Yura Yakarti – the future