During a recent government meeting, a speaker emphasized the importance of acknowledging Indigenous communities in discussions about environmental change, particularly in the context of Brisbane, which is set to host the 2032 Olympics. The speaker highlighted the need to recognize the traditional owners of the land, specifically the Jagera and Turrbal peoples, and to honor their elders—past, present, and emerging.

This acknowledgment is not merely ceremonial; it serves to confront the historical injustices faced by Indigenous populations, including colonization and dispossession. The speaker argued that understanding these historical contexts is crucial when addressing contemporary environmental issues, as many drivers of environmental change stem from the relationship societies have with nature.

In collaboration with a colleague, the speaker is working on a paper that compares Indigenous approaches to fire management with national strategies. They noted a significant contrast between the Western notion of separation between humanity and nature and the holistic perspectives held by Indigenous cultures worldwide. This relational understanding of the environment, they argued, is essential for effective environmental stewardship and has been largely overlooked in settler colonial societies.

The discussion underscored the need for a paradigm shift in how environmental issues are approached, advocating for a deeper integration of Indigenous knowledge and practices in contemporary environmental management strategies.