-
Member Login
- Home
- About
- Institute Groups
- Membership
- Events
- News & Publications
- Institute Programs
- Resources
- Jobs Board
- Contact Us
- Site Info
From the President | Recognition of Indigenous Knowledge, Values and Rights
On Wednesday 26 May, the EIANZ held a Special General Meeting to consider a resolution to amend the Institute’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct (Code) to recognise Indigenous knowledge, values and rights. The EIANZ Board is delighted to announce that during the meeting, members voted to implement this change that will come into effect on 1 December 2021. The EIANZ is now working on next steps to build the capacity of members and certified practitioners to work within the Code. We will keep you informed on progress as we move towards this important change. |
Background
As a professional association for environmental practitioners, the EIANZ acknowledges that current environmental assets are a legacy of stewardship by the Indigenous Peoples of both countries. The EIANZ appreciates the long prior history of Indigenous land, water and sea management, and respects the traditional knowledge and connection to country that is embodied in that history.
Since May 2020, the EIANZ has been working on meaningful changes to incorporate recognition of Indigenous practice and adopt Indigenous engagement principles in its guiding documents. An Indigenous Engagement Working Group was formed to develop a Statement of Objectives, a Road Map for EIANZ activities and a set of proposed changes to the Code and the EIANZ website.
At the EIANZ Annual General Meeting in November 2020, the Board put forward a Special Resolution outlining the proposed changes along with an Explanatory Document. While there was strong support for the intent of these changes, there was a clear message that further consultation was needed with members and CEnvPs to clarify the opportunities, potential implications, and training requirements of this important change.
The EIANZ has since conducted a wide-ranging consultation process with members and CEnvPs that offered great insights, and provided a chance for participants to learn more about the changes and what it would mean to them.
The EIANZ Board endorsed a revised set of changes that were ratified by EIANZ members at a Special General Meeting on Wednesday 26 May 2021. These changes and will take effect on 1 December 2021.
We acknowledge and value the rights and interests of Indigenous Peoples in the protection and management of environmental values through their involvement in decisions and processes, and the application of traditional Indigenous knowledge.