Gathering food for thought: First Nations peoples' approach to peacebuilding and peacemaking in Australia
We recognise and respect the intimate custodial relationships First Nations peoples observe in their lands, their waterways and the oceans that caress their lands. We are mindful that their cultural and spiritual affiliations are healing ongoing colonial harms, and hope that this project creates healthy pathways for recording, recognising, and restoring their ancient ceremonies, and for supporting ancient and contemporary peacebuilding practices. We respect the significant role of Elders, and are committed to reconciliation among all people.
This research project has been developed in response to the significant knowledge gaps and lack of recognition of Australia’s First Nations peoples’ approaches to conflict and its management. The very limited professional recognition and effective professional support for First Nations peacebuilders and peacemakers reflects a broader lack of recognition of their practices and skills. Our project aims to fill these gaps and foster understanding about First Nations peoples’ practices, processes and systems.
The project is constructed around the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research and the University of Newcastle’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural and Intellectual Property Protocol. We are taking a First Nations peoples-centric approach, amplifying their perspectives and knowledge, working collaboratively in ways that recognise and respect each other’s capability and learning. Our priority is to ensure participation by First Nations peoples, and provide benefit to their peacebuilders and peacemakers.
Between now and the end of 2023, we are collating and reviewing extensive relevant materials from Australia’s First Nations peoples’ conflict management approaches. We will conduct case studies of existing First Nations’ programs and services in Australia, and targeted reviews of selected relevant international work, including selections from Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada, and others.
We will produce a written report and an extensive compilation of existing knowledge about First Nations peoples’ approaches to conflict and its management in Australia. It is our understanding that this will be the first curated collection of such materials, and our intent is that it be readily available to all First Nations' communities and practitioners. The collection will provide a unique and invaluable knowledge base for greater work in this important field, informing the scope and design of inclusive consultations about the next steps to achieve practical recognition of the processes, techniques and skills that characterise First Nations peoples’ peacebuilding and peacemaking.
Research Team: In keeping with First Nations approaches, we prioritise the learning and development of evolving researchers: First Nations students who join our Project Team are coached and mentored by the other team members: Professor Tania Sourdin, Dr Helen Bishop, Dr Bin Li, and Dr Alysoun Boyle.
We acknowledge the support and commitment from the Mediator Standards Board and the University of Newcastle for this important project. Gathering food for thought: First Nations peoples’ approaches to peacebuilding and peacemaking in Australia
Advisory Group
Project Members
First Nations Approaches to Peacebuilding and Peacemaking in Australia Report (January 2024)
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.