Session Description
As impact assessment (IA) enters its next phase of evolution, one of the most significant challenges facing practitioners, regulators, industry and governments is ensuring that indigenous rights, knowledge systems, and decision-making authority are genuinely embedded within assessment processes. While decades of practice have improved recognition of Indigenous participation, many assessment frameworks struggle to move beyond consultation toward true self-determination and shared decision-making. This session explores how Indigenous Data Sovereignty, Indigenous-led governance models, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and biocultural approaches are reshaping contemporary impact assessment practice. While Indigenous participation is increasingly recognised, many assessment frameworks still struggle to transfer authority, control and accountability to Indigenous communities.Drawing on lessons from Indigenous communities, governments, and project proponents, participants will reflect on the evolution of impact assessment and consider lessons overlooked in the pursuit of efficiency and standardisation. The session will highlight emerging examples of Indigenous-led assessment, community-controlled data governance, culturally informed monitoring, and co-management arrangements that place Indigenous knowledge holders at the centre of decision-making. It will also examine how Indigenous Data Sovereignty can strengthen transparency, accountability, trust, and long-term environmental stewardship. By connecting practice, and lived experience, the discussion will challenge participants to reconsider who defines impacts and adopt indigenous-led approaches as standard practice.
Session Summary
From Consultation to Co-Governance: Advancing Indigenous Data Sovereignty, Self-Determination and Free, Prior and Informed Consent in Impact Assessment
Additional Information
The Chair and co-chair of this session will present of current projects engaging with First Peoples and Traditional Owner representatives - The National Statement is a whole-of-government framework for First Nations participation and economic development. The Statement is reflective of First Peoples’ aspirations and emphasises a coordinated approach that is place-based, self-determined and shaped by the ideas shared by First Peoples, industry and agribusinesses. The Medicinal Agriculture project led by indigenous leaders and self-determined.
Proposed By
Indigenous Peoples
Session Chair
Anne Dansey
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Australia
Session Co-chair
Samuel Nolan
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
Australia