PROCESS IN PICTURES

 In beginning this project we acknowledge we are standing on the unceded land of the First Nations people. All stories we tell are layered upon stories and sciences and culture and lore that has been passed on for thousands of years.

On Dharug land, in Parramatta, we acknowledge the traditional owners, custodians of the waterways, the land, the animals and the sky - the Baramadagal. We pay our respects to all First Nations people who live and/or work on Country, their elders past and present, and acknowledge this always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

Our position statement: Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property and The Parramatta Play Project.

Authority & Agency: The cultural authority of the Dharug and Baramadagal peoples is paramount. The project will consult the City of Parramatta’s First Nations Advisory Panel, with paid roles for Dharug Elders as cultural advisors. Cultural knowledge and narratives remain with the community, ensuring their leadership.

Recognising Rights and Maintaining Culture: The project acknowledges and protects Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights. Prior to using any cultural material, consultation and clearance are sought from custodians. All agreements are formalised and documented to uphold community rights.

Prior Informed Consent & Consultation: Since February, Dharug and Baramadagal peoples have been consulted and ongoing, respectful engagement is embedded in this project. Cultural material is only used with free, prior, and informed consent, including permission for site access and storytelling.

Integrity: Cultural knowledge is managed with care. Sacred and gender-specific knowledge protocols are respected. All material of a cultural nature is reviewed by advisors to maintain integrity and prevent misrepresentation.

Attribution & Sharing Benefits: Cultural contributors are acknowledged and compensated. Benefits, including access to final works and community presentations, are shared with Aboriginal knowledge holders.