This course introduces students to fundamental aspects of Indigenous relationships to lands, waters and cultural sites in Australia and internationally. It will provide students with an overview of Indigenous perspectives about the natural environment, knowledge systems and practices, the opportunities and challenges of Indigenous peoples Settlers’ relationships in this space, as well as the settler state legal and policy frameworks which often obstruct Indigenous opportunities to actively engage in cultural and natural resource management. These areas of contestation and collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous natural resources users are explored through a series of land and water management case studies and an examination of a range of theories on the topic. Students will learn from a diversity of indigenous land managers from across Australia. The course will also provide students with an opportunity to strengthen self-reflexive practices that are essential in engaging with Indigenous knowledge in many natural resource management issues.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Develop an appreciation of Indigenous aspirations, perspectives and knowledge systems in relation to lands, waters, plants, animals, natural resources and cultural heritage, and explain how these may vary from western scientific, legal and managerial perspectives.
2. Engage with Indigenous relational ontological perspectives, sovereignty and resurgence and how these relate to land and natural resource management issues in Australia and other settler state contexts.
3. Enhance understanding of Indigenous experiences of climate change, its impacts, the challenges it poses as well as the strategies developed by Indigenous peoples to respond.
4. Develop skills to critically analyse environmental conservation and natural resource management policies and programs and their implications for Indigenous peoples’ perspectives, initiatives, and aspirations.
5. Develop a self-reflexive practice that allows for culturally situated and place-specific engagement in environmental management issues.

Research-Led Teaching

This is a collaborative inter-cultural course taught with some of our Indigenous research partners. The course draws on our research as participatory action researchers working with Indigenous peoples. The course introduces the students to concepts and theories central to the field of Indigenous land and sea environmental management and environmental management more broadly.

Field Trips

There is a field trip component to this course. To accommodate high class numbers and enhance students’ experience there will be three one day field trip options to choose from around mid-semester. Details on the activities, date options, and registration will be provided in class on Week 1 and available on Canvas. Confirmation of days and time will be available on Canvas.

 

This field trip will provide the students with an occasion to have an on the ground experience and direct interactions with First Nations practitioners.

 

There are multiple opportunities to attend field learning (see details on Canvas). Attendance is strongly recommended but a virtual version will be made available to students who cannot come.

 

Information gathered on the field trip will need to be augmented with resources provided and the student's own research.

Additional Course Costs

There are additional field trip fees of approximately $80 applicable for the South Coast day trip (payment to the ANU Science Shop). 

Examination Material or equipment

N/A

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

 

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course: on assignments, and in class and during tutorials.

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Students should refer to the Canvas site for current delivery information for the course this semester. *Note that the order of weekly topic is subject to change based on specialised guest lecturers’ availabilities. See Canvas for most recent updates. Introduction Overview of the course content, purpose, assessments, and processes. Introduction to key concepts and theories. ReadingsBorrows - F. Dussart and S. Poirier, eds., Entangled Ontologies: Interpretations of Relations to Land in Australian and Canadian Neo-settler States (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 2017) Corntassel, J. (2012). Re-envisioning resurgence: Indigenous pathways to decolonization and sustainable self-determination. Decolonization: Indigeneity, Education & Society, 1(1).
2	Entangled territorialities and unceded sovereignty ReadingsBehrendt, Larissa. 2012. “Aboriginal Sovereignty: A Practical Roadmap.” In Sovereignty Stories: Frontiers of Possibility, edited by Julie Evans, Ann Genovese, Alexander Reilly, and Patrick Wolfe, 163–177. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press.Barker, J. (2017). Introduction. In Critically Sovereign: Indigenous Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies, (pp.1-44), edited by J. Barker. Duke University Press. Altman, J. C., Buchanan, G. J., & Larsen, L. (2007). The environmental significance of the Indigenous estate: Natural resource management as economic development in remote Australia. CAEPR Discussion Paper No. 286.	Complete learning journal entry
3	On cultural heritage	Complete learning journal entry
4	Power devolution and environmental management: co-management and Indigenous protected areas ReadingsCaruso, E. (2011). Co-Management Redux: Anti-Politics and Transformation in the Ashaninka Communal Reserve, Peru. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 17(6), 608-628.	Complete learning journal entry
5	Social construction of nature and the politics of TEK ReadingsLangton, M., & Rhea, Z. M. (2005). Traditional Indigenous Biodiversity-Related Knowledge. Australian Academic & Research Libraries, 36(2), 45-69. Whap, G. (2001). A Torres Strait Islander Perspective on the Concept of Indigenous Knowledge. The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, 29(2), 22-29. Nadasdy, P. (2005). The Anti-Politics of TEK: The Institutionalization of Co-Management Discourse and Practice [Traditional Ecological Knowledge]. Anthropologica, 47(2), 215.	Complete learning journal entry & essay proposal
6	(Counter)mapping entangled territories ReadingsPotter, S., Doran, B.and Mathews, D. (2016). Modelling collective Yawuru values along the foreshoreof Roebuck Bay, Western Australia using fuzzy logic. Applied Geography,77, pp.8-19.Yates, A. M. (2021).Transforming geographies: Performing Indigenous Maori ontologies and ethics ofmore than human care in an era of ecological emergency. New ZealandGeographer, 77, 101-113.	Complete learning journal entry
7	FIELD TRIPCultural burning and environmental stewardship in urban/peri-urban context or cultural tour on Black Mountain ReadingsWilliamson, B 2021, Cultural Burning in New South Wales: Challenges and Opportunities for Policy Makers and Aboriginal Peoples, Working Paper No. 139/2021, Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, Australian National University. https://doi.org/10.25911/Q1PY-8E04Borrows, J. J. (2003). Stewardship and the First Nations Governance Act. Queen's Law Journal, 29(1), 103-132.	Complete learning journal entry
8	Living with climate change today ReadingsNursey-Bray, M., Palmer, R., Stuart, A., Arbon, V., & Rigney, L. (2020). Scale, colonisation and adapting to climate change: Insights from the Arabana people, South Australia. Geoforum, 114, 138-150.Whyte, K. P. (2016). Is it Colonial DéJà Vu? Indigenous Peoples and Climate Injustice. In Adamson, J., Davis, M. & Huang, H. (eds.) Humanities for the Environment: Integrating Knowledges, Forging New Constellations of Practice: pp. 88-104. New York: Earthscan.	Complete learning journal entry
9	The renewable energy transition ReadingsRiley, B. (2021). Scaling Up: Renewable Energy on Aboriginal Lands in Northwest Australia. Nulungu Research Papers, 6. http://doi.org/10.32613/nrp/2021.6  Fabienne what do you want them to read?	Complete learning journal entry & Field trip report
10	Indigenous protected areas and ranger programs	Complete learning journal entry
11	Indigenous people in context of Hazard and Disaster Management ReadingsHowitt, R., Havnen, O., & Veland, S. (2012). Natural and Unnatural Disasters: Responding with Respect for Indigenous Rights and Knowledges. Geographical Research, 50(1), 47-59.  Thomassin, A., Neale, T., & Weir, J. K. (2018). The Natural Hazard Sector's Engagement with Indigenous Peoples: A Critical Review of Canzus Countries. Geographical Research, 57(2): 164-177. doi:doi:10.1111/1745-5871.12314Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements (2020). Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements Report. Commonwealth of Australia.	Complete learning journal entry
12	Wrap upThis session provides an occasion for all of us to come together and reflect on the themes, concepts and issues, opportunities and challenges presented over the last 11 weeks. We would like you to come prepared to share what you have learnt from your journey. Before coming to the workshop, we would like you to go back to your learning journals and notice how your perspectives on the questions of natural resource management and the role of First Nations peoples play in this space may have changed along the way. As part of this workshop, we will also discuss how the various elements discussed in the course may inform your engagement with Country, in both your every day and your professional life. ReadingReview your learning journal entries*Reo N.J., Whyte K.P., McGregor D., Smith M. (Peggy), Jenkins J.F. Factors that support Indigenous involvement in multi-actor environmental stewardship. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples. 2017;13(2):58-68.	Final essay

Tutorial Registration

Students will need to register for a weekly tutorial (starting Week 2) on MyTimetable.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Weekly Learning Journal	30 %	*	1,2,3,5,6
Essay Proposal	10 %	29/03/2026	1,2,3,5,6
Field trip assessment	20 %	04/05/2026	1,2,3,4,5,6
Essay	40 %	31/05/2026	1,2,3,4,5

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students are expected to actively participate and contribute to discussions. If you are unable to fulfil this requirement you will need to discuss this with a Course Convener and produce appropriate documentation (e.g. a medical certificate).

Examination(s)

n/a

Assessment Task 1

Weekly Learning Journal

Students will maintain a reflective learning journal throughout the semester, providing an opportunity to develop skills in reflective writing and oral expression.

 

Reflective Learning Journal

Throughout the semester, students will maintain a reflective learning journal. This task provides an opportunity to develop skills in reflective expression while engaging more deeply with the course.

Each week, the student will create a short reflection responding to something that arose in that week’s class. This may include an idea, reading, discussion, lecture moment, field trip experience, image, or question that remained significant. The aim is not to summarise content, but to think critically and personally about the learning process.

These weekly reflections are designed to help students:

• regularly revisit and process course material
• recognise how perspective and emotion shape learning
• build habits of critical reflection
• prepare for other assessment tasks

Completion of the weekly reflection requires attendance at that week’s tutorial.

Format options

Students may choose the format that best supports their reflection:

Audio or video entry

1–2 minutes per week

Written entry

100–200 words per week

Annotated visual entry (drawing or map)

Students may submit a drawing, diagram, or map that engages with course ideas. Visual submissions must include brief annotations (labels, notes, or short written reflections) that explain the student’s thinking.

Assessment (Pass/Fail)

Students will receive one mark per week for a reflection that:

• follows the guidance above
• is relevant to course topics
• is submitted on time at the end of that week

Late submissions are not accepted unless an approved extension has been granted.

Tutorial participation is expected. You will receive 1 pt for each tutorial session.

Assessment Task 2

Essay Proposal

Due: Sunday 11.59pm, 29 March 2026 (end of week 6)

Guidelines: To prepare for the major assessment in this course, students will put together a essay proposal by the end of week 6. This will assist in ensuring that your topic is in line with the learning outcomes for this course and that your preliminary ideas and research will yield good results for your final essay due in week 12.

 

This assessment task is exploratory and foundational. Meaning that there is opportunity for you to change your topic and approach for the final essay. Particularly after you receive your feedback.

 

Guiding question: See Canvas page

 

Your research proposal should include the following:

1. Project title
2. Introduction /abstract about your intended project
3. Short positionality statement
4. Essay question/s
5. Essay plan
6. Definition of key terms
7. Bibliography of at least 3 key texts (these should incorporate texts that centre Indigenous perspectives / approaches to NRM)

 

 Word length: 750-1,000 words

Assessment Task 3

Field trip assessment

Due: Sunday 11.59pm, 4 May 2026 (end of week 9)

Please see Canvas for further information.

Assessment Task 4

Essay

Due: Sunday 11.59pm, 31 May 2026 (week 12)

 

Guidelines: Building on from the proposal, students will write a research essay that answers the guiding question using an example of their choice. The essay is designed to assist students in developing critical thinking skills by drawing on examples from lectures, readings, tutorials, and workshops to present an academic argument of their own.

 

Guiding question: See Canvas page

 

Length and format: 1,700 – 2,000 words (+/- 10%), APA referencing system, 1.5 spaced, size 12 font, with page numbers.

 

Rubric: Please refer to the Canvas site

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Assignments cannot be resubmitted after the submission date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students