QCE Handbook - Queensland Studies Authority

Collaboration and consultation
Learners should understand that Aboriginal knowledges and Torres Strait Islander
knowledges are diverse, and local communities are the custodians of their unique
knowledges. Some knowledge may not be able to be shared in a public domain.
Consulting with local community provides insight into one of the many Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander cultural groups within Australia. Projects considering local community
knowledge should be developed in collaboration with the local community to ensure that
the project has mutual benefits for both the student and the community. Consultative
processes that engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people before, during and after
the learning project enable negotiation, and protection of local knowledges.
Copyright and intellectual property
Students should understand that some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge is
shared community knowledge and protocols exist within these communities to protect this
knowledge and associated cultural practices. During consultation and collaboration,
students should define the purpose, intent and outcomes of the project. In some instances,
particularly in public display of community research, students will need to negotiate the
copyright and intellectual property rights afforded to the student and those of the
community.
Regardless of the outcome, it is imperative that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
involvement within a learning project is acknowledged, particularly in publicly available
products. Where community knowledge is shared knowledge the language group of origin
should be recognised. Identifying key contacts or representatives who have the right to
share community knowledge is an important part of developing a learning project. For
larger projects, or projects with a commercial component, contractual agreements may
need to be made by both parties.
Cultural rites, responsibilities and sensitivity
Students should understand that projects involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
people and students require mutual obligation and shared responsibility. Awareness of
sensitive issues and cultural rites relevant to knowledge and passing down of knowledge
assists in maintaining a long lasting relationship.
It is important to recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the right
both to protect knowledge and to share knowledge. Some knowledge is shared in the
community and other knowledge is the responsibility of specific people in the community.
One person may have specific rights to one type of knowledge, whereas other people will
be the keepers of other types of knowledge.
Some knowledge within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities should be
recognised, but not discussed or shared in a public domain. Learners need to be aware of
and show sensitivity to these knowledges and cultural practices.
The teaching of culture is the responsibility of Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander
people only. However, as circumstances may arise in their learning project in which it is
necessary to adhere to the protocols surrounding one (or more) of these cultural practices,
learners need to be aware of these sensitive areas.
Due to the diversity within and between Aboriginal cultures and Torres Strait Islander
cultures, protocols will vary. Learners are encouraged to be aware of the sensitivity
surrounding working with these knowledges and following community protocols. It is vital
that students consult with appropriate local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
community members to discuss any matters that arise.
Queensland Studies Authority August 2011 | 33