- Author Indigenous Connection
- Publish date 25 March 2025
- Type Report
- Documents
- First Nations led business development
Summary
Indigenous Connection approached Northern Territory Emergency Services (NTES), interested in exploring Local Emergency Management processes on Country. Inviting NTES to identify elements that are working well and points of friction throughout the phases of Emergency Management. Key concerns were identified pertaining to community participation, autonomy, preparedness and resilience. IC designed the Pilot Project across two key phases:
Phase 1 – Community member and stakeholder consultation to establish Local Emergency Management initial evaluation and to design an appropriate program.
Phase 2 – Test, monitor and evaluate program effectiveness over a 12-month period, to support improved Natural Disaster Readiness on Country.
IC Cultural Knowledge Providers (CKP’s) and local Police Members engaged with in-community research processes to share their voice, perspectives and experience. IC explored concepts of Cultural Capital and Social Capital within situational analysis, leadership design, communications, information and collateral.
This work is part of the CRCNA funded project “Cultural Market System Development’ AT.4.2223008
Projects
Cultural Market Systems Development
The Cultural Market Systems Development (CMSD) project, led by Indigenous Connection, explored how market systems can better recognise First Nations cultural knowledge, strengthen economic participation and support improved cultural, social and economic wellbeing across remote and very remote communities in northern Australia. The research examined the interconnected influence of housing, essential infrastructure, institutional relationships and market systems on economic participation. It identified opportunities for governments and industry to work more effectively with First Nations communities, including through the recognition and procurement of cultural knowledge services. Key outcomes include the development of the Cultural Market Systems Development Index (CMSD-I) and a future scenario modelling tool, providing new evidence to inform place-based policy, investment and market systems design. The findings highlight the potential to unlock significant opportunities for cultural economic inclusion, strengthen reconciliation and contribute to Closing the Gap. By recognising and valuing First Nations knowledge of Country, culture and community, this approach could create pathways for up to 1,000 First Nations people to participate in the economy through culturally aligned employment and business opportunities. Stay connected Visit the Indigenous Connection CMSD webpage to download the report and register your interest in the research. Indigenous Connection is seeking feedback from readers to understand how the findings are informing decisions, practices and opportunities for change within organisations and communities. Follow Indigenous Connection at: Website https://www.indigenousconnection.com/s/ Instagram @indigenousconnection Facebook @indigenousconnection LinkedIn Indigenous Connection