Northern Institute
Policy on Paper, Leadership on Country: Co-designing Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation with First Nations Communities in the Kimberley
| Presenter | Michelle Joy Bedford | |
|---|---|---|
| Date/Time |
to
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| Contact person |
Northern Institute
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| Location | Room 16, Level 4, Danala Education and Community Precinct and Online | |
| Open to | Public | |
Join us and support our Master of Public Policy students as they give their final presentations. Recordings will only be available for student reference and are not available to the public.
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm ACST, Friday 13 November 2026
Policy on Paper, Leadership on Country: Co-designing Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Adaptation with First Nations Communities in the Kimberley
Abstract:
This research examines how climate risks and governance systems intersect with Indigenous knowledge systems and adaptation practices, particularly focusing on the Kimberley region, northern Australia. Identifying gaps between climate adaptation policy and on-Country realities, and evaluating the structural, institutional, and social barriers that limit Indigenous-led adaptation initiatives. It also highlights governance models that support culturally grounded, effective, and equitable climate resilience. These approaches strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance long-term resilience, and provide valuable insights for policy development and governance reform in climate-vulnerable regions. This study is informed by Indigenous research methodologies that emphasise culturally safe interpretation, ethical engagement, storytelling, Indigenous data sovereignty and relational accountability. These principles strengthen the methodological integrity of the research while ensuring that Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing are treated with appropriate respect and authority. Central to this approach is recognising Indigenous knowledge systems not merely as inputs into mainstream policy analysis, but as legitimate frameworks for governance and decision-making.
Bio:
Michelle is a proud Jaru/Gija woman from the Kimberley, a public policy professional and Master of Public Policy student at Charles Darwin University. Her research focuses on Indigenous-led climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, examining how First Nations knowledge, governance and self-determination can inform stronger and more culturally grounded policy responses.
In-person: RSVP here
Online Registration : Register here
Getting there:
Room 4.16, Level 4,
CDU Danala Education and Community Precinct,>
54 Cavenaugh Street,
Darwin.
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