New initiative encourages First Nations students into agriculture

Emeritus Professor Jim Pratley and PhD candidate Josh Gilbert

Australian agriculture cannot afford to ignore the learning of First Nations people, who have been managing the land for thousands of years. This is the central belief of Charles Sturt University’s Indigenous Agriculture Initiative, which will support First Nations students to pursue a career in agriculture and contribute to research about Indigenous agricultural and land management practices. The initiative was inspired by Emeritus Professor Jim Pratley’s observations of the low number of Indigenous graduates in agricultural science Australia-wide and the under-representation of First Nations people in the agricultural sector for generations. Professor Pratley also acknowledged that while Charles Sturt was the leader in both First Nations student enrolments and in agricultural graduates, there were few First Nations agriculture graduates. “There needs to be a systematic approach to create a continuous cohort of Indigenous undergraduates leading to industry employment,” Professor Pratley said. Foundation Donor, Alf Salter heard Jim speak at an event about the initiative and was compelled to assist. “My wife Mari and I recognise our good fortune and the gap that exists between indigenous communities and white communities. The federal government has failed miserably in ‘bringing the gap’ and frankly, we believe it is up to each of us to create more opportunities for indigenous people. The inaugural research higher degree student in the program is Worimi man, Josh Gilbert. Australian Geographic 2016 Young Conservationist of the Year, Josh said he has been inspired by Charles Sturt’s ability to lead the dialogue about First Nations agriculture. “Over the past few months, the university has shown a deep empathy to work with our communities and listen to our experiences and dreams. “This program has the potential for Australian agriculture to leapfrog our thinking and discussions in this area, particularly to empower Indigenous peoples in the space to speak on our own behalf.”

If you’re passionate about agriculture and First Nations outcomes, the university has set an ambitious fundraising goal to deliver this important initiative. Read more here: csu.edu.au/office/advancement/giving-to-csu/active-funds/ indigenous-agriculture-initiative

“We think the Indigenous Agriculture Project at Charles Sturt’s Wagga campus is a very practical approach to not only educating young aborigines in agricultural management practices but also sharing their experiences which have been developed over 60,000 years. Fire management in native forests is one very obvious area in which Indigenous Elders could teach more effective methods of undergrowth control - starting immediately. “With the assistance of the Charles Sturt Foundation, we have developed a proposal and are actively seeking additional financial support for the initiative beyond the initial contributions we have received from Indigenous organisations and other benefactors.”

Alf and Mari Salter