First Nations people’s heritage is one of a continuous cultural connection to land, sea and sky since time immemorial passed down from ancestors to following generations. Genuine partnerships with First Nations peoples ensure that years of continuous cultural connection to Country successfully come into dialogue with western science.
The Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) is using an approach called "two-eyed seeing"1 to bring together Indigenous knowledge systems and the use of innovative technological observing equipment delivered by IMOS across Australia. Through this approach IMOS aspires to form genuine partnerships and deliver a program which serves everyone interested in marine observations.
The principle of consent is a key tool used in forming genuine partnerships based on respect and trust. Seeking Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is a way to ensure the inherent rights of First Nations peoples are not only considered but that First Nations peoples are key decision makers in any research activity undertaken on Country.
Other key tools in this process are the Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, Ethics (CARE) principles and Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles used by the Australian Institute of Marine Science Indigenous Partnerships Team in developing partnership relationships with First Nations peoples.
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