Exploring Cultural Governance

The word ‘governance’ can take on many different meanings and be used in various contexts, whether that be corporate, organisational or cultural. In this episode, we give particular attention to First Nations perspectives of cultural governance and discuss how the concept of cultural governance, whilst sometimes misunderstood, is one that can support collaboration across difference. Our guests Wayne Barker, Doyen Radcliffe, Sharon Babyack and David Lilley explore topics including: Their understanding of cultural governance and the governance structures of the organisations that they work at – the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC), Collaboration for Impact and Community First Development The idea of ‘right way governance’ which involves understanding and respecting the structures and decision-making processes within First Nations communities in addition to the idea of ‘bridging governance’ – where First Nation governance practices intersect with Western governance requirements. How ‘good’ cultural governance is malleable and recognises the importance of establishing structures and processes which help us build and maintain trusting relationships The skills that can help with navigating governance in practice such as emotional intelligence and deep listening. Transcript To ensure accessibility we are committed to providing transcripts of all our podcast episodes - you can read the full transcript here. Resources Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Cultural Centre: 'KALACC Cultural Governance Evaluation 2016' Shares information about cultural governance more broadly as well as how KALACC navigated cultural governance during the repatriation of ceremonial objects to Ardyaloon community. Community First Development: 'Good Governance Practice leads to Good Relationships: Final report' June 2021. Presents findings and lessons learnt from their Participatory Action Research Project, with a focus on Governance. Community First Development: 'Good Governance Practice leads to Good Relationships: First report' March 2020. Shares the Action Research design, early findings and first four case studies. The Hive: 'Insights Paper - Community Development' June 2022. Outlines 'Together in 2770's Collective approach to community development and mobilisation, including their local governance approach. Guests Wayne Barker is the Festival and Cultural Events Coordinator at the Kimberly Aboriginal Law and Cultural Centre (KALACC), an activist, musician, film maker and the Co-Director of the Stompem Ground Festival.  KALACC's cultural maintenance mission is supporting the traditional cultural practices of the 30 Aboriginal language groups of the Kimberley Region, WA  You can find Wayne online at KALACC website| KALACC Facebook | LinkedIn