ALCA recognises and respects the deep and enduring relationship that First Nations peoples have with land, sea and water, and their enduring persistence, knowledge and connection that has been built over tens of thousands of years.
We recognise that for First Nations peoples, nature and culture are inextricably connected. We acknowledge and value the First Nations peoples continue to play in managing Country today and their right to self-determination.
The ALCA Conference is an opportunity to reflect on, learn from, and celebrate these connections, knowledge and relationships.
First Nations Access & Engagement Strategy
We work to deliver an inclusive and culturally safe event that engages First Nations delegates to attend and actively participate. To achieve this, we are guided by our First Nations Access and Engagement Strategy.
The Strategy was substantively revised in 2026 to incorporate recommendations following evaluation of the 2024 and 2025 ALCA Conferences, and to ensure it reflects best practice, community feedback, and ALCA’s evolving leadership role in the conservation sector.
Knowledge of Country
The ‘Knowledge of Country’ artwork you see below, and which you will also see in conference communications, was created by Maria Watson-Trudgett, of Wiradyuri people. Maria is a First Nations consultant and Aboriginal artist. Maria says:
“To First Nations peoples, ‘Country’ is all things, it is a place of belonging and a way of life. Country incorporates the sea, rivers, waterholes and air, the desert, land, mountains, hills and valleys, plants, animals, people and cultural obligations. Country embraces the seasons, constellations of the sky and Dreaming stories.
I have created the symbols to reflect the getting together of likeminded people to learn and share the cultural knowledge of Country.”
