Why is the Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework important?

The Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework seeks to help the RA embed cultural understanding into its work, ensure respect for local First Nations Knowledge and improve First Nations leadership in disaster recovery and planning in the Northern Rivers. 

The Framework focuses on key concepts:

• Country: Understanding what is Country

• Culture: Understanding and valuing culture

• Community: Embedding First Nations voice across project lifecycles

What is the Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework?

Jagun Alliance lead the engagement, inviting First Nations peoples living across Bundjalung, Yaegl and northern parts of Gumbaynggirr lands, to co-design the Framework concepts, commitments and actions.

• Stage 1: Gatherings with cultural advisors and community leaders, informed by the Government Architect NSW Connecting with Country Framework, to help create a draft Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework.  These include respecting Country, working in partnership, honouring cultural priorities, maintaining a local focus, supporting capacity building, and empowering First Nations people to continue to care for land, water and air through traditional practices. 

• Stage 2: Jagun Alliance connected with knowledge holders at broader community events and gatherings to seek feedback on the draft Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework.

Community Gatherings and Yarns

We hosted two in-person gatherings in Alstonville and Maclean to yarn about how RA can work respectfully with First Nations communities and on Country. These gatherings were opportunities for local First Nations people to guide the RA on how they work with First Nations communities on Country.

The final Framework Northern Rivers Connecting with Country Framework was provided to the RA for review after the Stage 2 engagement.