The Australian Marine Conservation Society acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Land and Sea Countries across Australia, and we pay our deepest respects to Elders past and present.
We recognise the deep, enduring connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have as the first custodians of these waters, and we are committed to learning from their knowledge, traditions, and ways of caring for Sea Country.
AMCS celebrates the continuous living cultures of First Nations peoples and acknowledges the important role they play in the life of this country.
Side by Side: AMCS’ vision for working with First Nations peoples of Australia
AMCS’ vision for operating in solidarity with First Nations peoples of Australia emerged from our core values and from two very strong imperatives held by AMCS’ staff, Board and Supporters:
- AMCS’ enormous respect for the knowledge and management of First Nations peoples as custodians of Land and Sea Country; and
- AMCS’ recognition that First Nations peoples are often asked to reconcile with an external culture that is still connected, in many cases, with deep memories of violence and oppression.
First Nations peoples have rights, interests and deep connections across all of AMCS’ campaign work and our operations are relevant to justice and equity for First Nations peoples. Our activities overlap with Sea Country, Cultural Heritage and community wellbeing, which have been directly impacted by colonisation, loss of rights, and ongoing exclusion from Decision-making.
AMCS can play a role in addressing these historic and systemic imbalances by respecting and supporting the leadership of First Nations peoples, ensuring their knowledge and priorities shape and continue to inform ocean protection, and by working towards more just and equitable outcomes for people and Country.
“We are proud to share AMCS’ first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), as we take these first steps towards reconciliation. We will move to the next stages as we are ready, on the advice of those whose ancestral connections to Country go back millennia.
–Paul Gamblin, AMCS CEO
Header artwork designed by Tarquin Singleton, head designer from Red Ochre Republic.