Alicia and Seraeah speak up on climate change

Climate Week Queensland 2019 provided a forum for leaders and sub-national governments to share ideas and build a community of action against climate change. The week investigated ways of transitioning the state to a low-carbon, clean growth economy and adapting to the impacts of a changing climate. As part of the week, a landmark First Nations Climate Summit was held in Brisbane on 4 June and showcased the long history of First Nations Peoples’ as knowledge holders, knowledge sharers and educators—the original climate scientists. Bringing together First Nations Peoples’ perspectives in climate change decision making from across Queensland, the summit aimed to link Traditional knowledge with public policy and community awareness.

The summit included presentations, a panel discussion and workshop. It culminated in a dinner where Minister Leeanne Enoch was presented with a climate change statement from the participants of the summit, along with a message stick encased in a ghost-net cover—bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

The Authority is proud that Alicia Haines (Wet Tropics Management Authority) and Seraeah Wyles (Girringun Aboriginal Corporation) were able attend the summit, and importantly, were tasked in sharing a message on climate change from the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ Regional Forum to the first ever First Nations Climate Summit.

Alicia and Seraeah received a standing ovation after they presented the Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples’ message.

Published: 13th Aug 2019