Report on Culturally Appropriate First Nations Consultation with Barkandji Maljangapa Nation by Jock Gilbert and Sophia Pearce

Aboriginal Nation

Barkandji Maljangapa

Location

New South Wales

Client

NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (Water Division)

Jury comment

This comprehensive report on the process and findings of consultation undertaken with the Barkandji Maljangapa nation for the development of Water Resource Plans in New South Wales describes an innovative, culturally appropriate methodology for consultation, providing valuable insights for future consultation with First Nations people. Landscape architect Jock Gilbert and Barkandji anthropologist Sophia Pearce (as Kulpa Mardita) aim to present the Barkandji Maljangapa nation’s objectives and outcomes for the management of water, based on consultation in communities in Wentworth, Menindee, Broken Hill, Bourke and Wilcannia.

This is a region where water resources are essential to community, environmental, spiritual and cultural wellbeing. To quote the report, “As custodians of the Baaka, the Darling River, Barkandji Malajangapa people take their Custodianship extremely seriously, feeling a sense of responsibility for all people on their Country and in neighbouring nations. Their world-view integrates elements of people, place and Country, placing water in an interconnected relationship with all things.” The innovative methodology to formulate thematic categories representative of Barkandji Maljangapa nation perspectives is an excellent achievement. The jury felt that this report may provide a beacon of hope in future consultation processes.

Entrants Jock Gilbert and Sophia Pearce Photography Jock Gilbert