Blog

Applications open for ‘First Nations Expert Working Group on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property’

Posted: September 13th, 2024

Applications are now open for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to join an expert working group on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) – and close at 12pm (AWST) on Friday, 20 September 2024. 

In partnership with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts and other government agencies, the expert working group will advise on new laws to protect First Nations traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. This includes addressing the harm caused by fake art, merchandise and souvenirs.

The development of the new laws will be First Nations-led.

The panel will consist of up to seven members and a Chair who can demonstrate at least one of the following:

1. knowledge and expertise in ICIP,
2. lived experience with ICIP and an understanding of current issues,
3. stakeholder engagement and the ability to represent the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

This is a paid opportunity of at least two years, with a possible option to extend for one year. There will be a minimum of five meetings per financial year, with at least one of those being in-person.

To learn more about this work, the working group and how to apply, visit the Federal Office of the Arts website, and/or watch the webinar recording available online.

If you have any questions about the expert working group, email icip@arts.gov.au by 3pm (AWST) on Thursday, 19 September 2024.

Note, applications for the working group must be lodged through to AusTender, using ATM ID: 10029826, where you will find more information about this opportunity. You will need to register an account to view the documents and apply.

Bring Them Home – Perth rally at Parliament House

Posted: September 11th, 2024

Members of the community from across the Pilbara, Yamatji and Kimberly regions have organised a rally at Parliament House as their petition calling for urgent action is tabled in Parliament.

They are calling on upon the WA community to join together for a peaceful protest and rally on Tuesday 17 September to stand united in support of the families of the missing persons.

Department of Justice Aboriginal Traineeship Program

Posted: September 10th, 2024

The Department of Justice is looking for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages who are interested in making a difference and taking part in their Aboriginal Traineeship Program. They are asking that Aboriginal organisations share this opportunity with their networks, clients, and community. Successful applicants will get paid whilst they work to gain a Certificate III in Government. Applications are currently open, closing on 13 September 2024.

To apply and/or to learn more about the trainee positions, visit jobs.wa.gov.au.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week: Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud

Posted: July 5th, 2024

NAIDOC Week begins this Sunday, 7 July. This is a time to come together to celebrate not only First Nations people’s achievements, but the history, rich culture, and survival of the oldest continuing living culture on earth.

This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’, celebrating the unyielding spirit of First Nations people as it invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.

The fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of the challenges faced by First Nations people to maintain their culture, connection to Country and to each other. The traditions that are passed down through generations defines their resilience.

“Blak, Loud and Proud” encapsulates the unapologetic celebration of First Nations people’s identity, empowering them to stand tall in their heritage and assert their place in the modern world. This theme reclaims the narratives, amplifies the voices and highlights the commitment to justice and equality.

Check out our YMAC LinkedIn page throughout the week as we highlight Traditional Owners’ connection to Country, native title over YMAC’s 30 years, what happens after a determination, an update on Aboriginal heritage and finishing the week off with information on two important events that call for the Pilbara and Yamatji community to stand up and recognise the strong Blak, Loud and Proud advocates who continue to fight for their people.

There are also many events throughout NAIDOC Week that are happening in your community, and we urge you to check them out and become immersed in the culture of the First Nations people

Review YMAC’s Renewable Energy Guide

Posted: June 21st, 2024

Filed under: renewable energy, Renewable Energy Guide, YMAC

With Western Australia’s renewable energy industry growing at a rapid pace, the YMAC Renewable Energy Guide aims to promote the highest engagement standards and provide a practical tool to guide renewable energy project negotiations between developers and First Nations peoples. 

The guide draws on the expertise of YMAC’s experienced lawyers who have been supporting renewable energy project negotiations across our representative areas, other team members from a range of disciplines, as well as external experts. 

YMAC has long been an advocate for economic participation models such as equity ownership. It is our goal to ensure First Nations peoples’ involvement in this Greenfields industry can result in long-term generation of capital – a key to self-determination – as well as close involvement in decision-making about activity impacting their unique cultural heritage and Country. 

Consisting of a set of eight ‘standards’ to guide renewable energy developers in how best to engage with Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) and Aboriginal Corporations and achieve free, prior and informed consent, as well as a project timeline that discusses key requirements for each stage of a project’s development. 

View the guide here. 

Return of Native Title Materials Best Practice Guide available online

Posted: June 7th, 2024

While this year’s AIATSIS Summit is well-underway in Naarm (Melbourne), YMAC is excited and proud to be able to promote the availability of the Return of native title material from Native Title Representative Bodies or Service Providers to Prescribed Bodies Corporate: A Best Practice Guide – a publication created in partnership by AIATSIS [the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies] and YMAC.

Returning cultural information to the appropriate party/ies is a critical yet complex part of the native title process. The Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) outlines how representative bodies, like YMAC, are required to deal with these materials under section 203FCA. To effectively perform this function, YMAC developed options for returning materials, including a best practice model. This approach is used as a basis for engagement (or re-engagement) with Traditional Owners and Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) in a culturally appropriate way, and helped to inform much of the new guide.

YMAC looks forward to continue working with PBCs from within its representative areas to deliver tailored, co-designed returns.

We encourage you to please review the guide, as well as explore our website further to learn more about YMAC’s sector-leading Return of Materials processes.

Our digital YMAC Renewable Energy Guide is now live!

Posted: June 4th, 2024

Filed under: renewable energy, Renewable Energy Guide

Our digital YMAC Renewable Energy Guide is now live!

With Western Australia’s renewable energy industry growing at a rapid pace, the YMAC Renewable Energy Guide aims to promote the highest engagement standards and provide a practical tool to guide renewable energy project negotiations between developers and First Nations peoples.

“Renewable Energy presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to establish, from a project’s onset, the highest standards for First Nations peoples’ engagement, alongside sharing in the economic rewards that may arise from projects on Country.  We want to get this right from the start,” said YMAC CEO Simon Hawkins.

The guide draws on the expertise of YMAC’s experienced lawyers who have been supporting renewable energy project negotiations across our representative areas, other team members from a range of disciplines, as well as external experts.

YMAC has long been an advocate for economic participation models such as equity ownership. It is our goal to ensure First Nations peoples’ involvement in this Greenfields industry can result in long-term generation of capital – a key to self-determination – as well as close involvement in decision-making about activity impacting their unique cultural heritage and Country.

The Guide consists of a set of eight ‘standards’ to guide renewable energy developers in how best to engage with Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) and Aboriginal Corporations and achieve free, prior and informed consent, as well as a project timeline that discusses key requirements for each stage of a project’s development.

YMAC to participate in National Reconciliation Week

Posted: May 22nd, 2024

National Reconciliation Week marks a significant milestone in Australia’s history, particularly concerning native title. This year holds special significance for YMAC, as we celebrate our 30th anniversary of working alongside Traditional Owners in our Yamatji and Marlpa regions.

Reconciliation WA calls upon all West Australians to stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. YMAC is committed to fostering this unity by organising internal events that honour the integral role of reconciliation in native title history.

YMAC is very proud to participate in National Reconciliation Week. To show our support for this important time, staff will be attending Reconciliation WA’s virtual breakfasts across all our offices, as well as joining the Walk for Reconciliation events in Perth and Hedland.

We encourage everyone to get involved by organising breakfast gatherings in their workplaces, communities, schools, or homes.

For more information on how to do so, please visit National Reconciliation Week – Reconciliation Australia.

Native Title Capacity Building Program funding now open for applications

Posted: May 8th, 2024

Acknowledging that native title parties across Western Australia have different levels of capacity, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH) have announced the Native Title Capacity Building Program, designed to ensure native title parties are resourced to provide heritage services and respond to the engagement, consultation and service delivery needs of industry and Government.

The State Government has committed $8 million per year to the Capacity Building Program from June 2024 to June 2027. Throughout this period, bi-annual payments of $90,000 are available to eligible native title parties.

Acknowledging the immediate need for funding, the first payment for successful applicants who submit before 24 May 2024 will be $180,000 with subsequent bi-annual payments of $90,000. Applications received after 24 May 2024 will only be eligible for the bi-annual payments of $90,000.

Applications are currently open. To find out more or to lodge an application, click here.