Working with Aboriginal peoples

Information about the strategy and principles that guide the way the EPA works with Aboriginal peoples and communities in NSW.

Yalawanyi: Aboriginal relationship strategy

Yalawanyi means ‘a place to sit’ in the Gathang language. 

The EPA has developed Yalawanyi: Aboriginal Relationship Strategy to guide the way we work with Aboriginal peoples and communities to make sure Aboriginal voices are reflected across our work.

The release of this strategy is an important step towards working in respectful partnership with Aboriginal peoples and communities to protect, restore and enhance NSW diverse ecosystems.

The strategy:

• acknowledges the unique role Aboriginal peoples have as Custodians of Country across NSW and places emphasis on developing relationships rather than engagement
• is underpinned by evidence-based principles and promotes a consistent approach to building and maintaining relationships with Aboriginal peoples and communities across NSW.

Watch our video for the story of Yalawanyi: Aboriginal Relationship Strategy

Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP)

The 2007 United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples recognises the right of Indigenous peoples to maintain and protect their intellectual property over cultures, knowledges, and cultural expressions.

The EPA works on Country, cares for Country, and engages with Aboriginal peoples and communities across the state – through our daily work we will inevitably interact with Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP).

Our Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) Protocol (PDF 3.14MB) was developed in recognition of the UN Declaration and other work on ICIP across NSW Government, to reinforce the principles of self-determination and co-design and to provide staff with practical guidance on how to embed these principles into their work.

By adopting this Protocol, we strengthen our commitment to Principle 6 of the Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal Peoples of NSW to ensure Aboriginal Knowledges, Science and ICIP is protected, and Aboriginal peoples have Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC).

Celebrating significant Aboriginal cultural events

We are committed to being part of significant Aboriginal cultural events that celebrate and commemorate Aboriginal people and cultures.

Since 2021, we have gradually increased our participation in significant Aboriginal cultural events such as NAIDOC week, Yabun festival, Saltwater Freshwater festival and the NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout, known to most as the Koori Knockout.

Recognising and celebrating significant Aboriginal cultural events

• Enhances opportunities to learn about Aboriginal cultures
• Promotes cultural diversity in the workplace and fosters understanding of Australia’s shared history
• Builds cultural capability within our organisation
• Strengthens relationships with Aboriginal peoples and communities and provides opportunities for new connections
• Supports the EPA to uphold its Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal Peoples

Watch highlights from our 2023 NAIDOC week event.