Caring for Country Collaboration Wins National Award
When culture leads and technology follows, extraordinary things can happen.
Last week, the Caring for Country: Growing Conservation Through Digital Literacy partnership between Indigital, the Western Cape Aboriginal communities of Aurukun, Weipa, Napranum, and Mapoon, and Rio Tinto was recognised nationally, taking home Collaboration of the Year at the Aboriginal Enterprises in Mining Energy and Exploration (AEMEE) Awards.
For the four communities who have guided the work from the beginning, the award is a celebration of shared commitment, one grounded in respect, reciprocity, and Country.
“This program has shown that when we walk together, we can bring old knowledge and new tools together in the right way, to look after Country and to give our young ones something to be proud of.” Aunty Andrewena Diane Nichols Pitt, Tjungundji Elder and Cultural Custodian, Mapoon.
Community: Strength in Connection
Hosted on Larrakia Country in Darwin, the AEMEE Conference brought together community, industry, and government under the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Partnerships, Power and Prosperity.” With support from Rio Tinto, Indigital and two members of the Caring for Country Aboriginal Community Reference Group, Aunty Maria and Aunty Di, both from Mapoon, attended the event. They have played a key role in driving this work on Country, and their insights and knowledge have been invaluable.
"This award is the achievement of all our hard work. Because this goes to show that learning Western science is a new way, but how did the old way, carry that knowledge, can sit hand in hand….. it's how we, as Traditional Owners of our Country, work together for the next generation of children that's coming up. Because they'll be lucky. They've got our understanding of lore, but they'll have the technology side of showing how to continue carrying the knowledge in their time and to the future. This award shows the dedication that we have as Traditional Owners to carry the knowledge and the Western technology into the future for our next generation of children."
"This might be the first award we've won, but that doesn't say we've got another one to come." said Aunty Maria at a community celebration in Weipa last week.
Indigital's Chief Relationships and Experience Officer Chelsea Brand said in her acceptance speech, “There was a genuine sense that we are stronger when we work together.”
“When we centre relationships, respect Country, and bring Indigenous knowledge and innovation to the table, we create stronger and more resilient systems for everyone.
This recognition is really about the strength of our relationships, it shows what’s possible when community leads, industry listens, and together we create space for different ways of knowing to connect.”
Through the program, more than 230 people have taken part in workshops, learning how technology can be used to monitor waterways, document stories, and revitalise language. The result is not just skills development, but a deep strengthening of cultural identity and pride.
System: Beyond Boundaries, Shared Futures
For Rio Tinto, this collaboration represents an innovative model for industry partnership, one shaped by community leadership and long-term commitment.
“We’re incredibly privileged to walk alongside Indigital and the Western Cape communities of Weipa, Aurukun, Napranum, and Mapoon,” said Shantel Nasir, Principal Advisor, Social Investment Australia at Rio Tinto.
“The program demonstrates the power of genuine collaboration, driven by the vision and leadership of remarkable community leaders, shaped by their priorities, grounded in culture, and creating a lasting legacy for the region.”
At its heart, Caring for Country is about shared futures, weaving together culture, technology, and collective care for Country. As the partnership looks to the seasons ahead, the award stands as both a celebration and a reminder of what’s possible when everyone walks together: communities leading, knowledge shared, and futures strengthened through collaboration.
