Despite pandemic restrictions and geographic separation, First Nations communities can leverage digital tools to continue national-building activities, according to a new study by Indigenous Futures Centre researcher Dr Janine Gertz.
The Indigenous Nation-Building (INB) approach, initially developed in North America, emphasizes self-governance and community-led development. Dr Gertz’s new study demonstrates how the Gugu Badhun people leveraged digital tools to continue their nation-building activities during the pandemic, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities presented by online engagement.
The Gugu Badhun people, whose ancestral lands lie in the upper Burdekin River catchment, were recognized for their native title in 2012. Despite being geographically dispersed, the Gugu Badhun maintain strong cultural and spiritual ties to their land. Their nation-building efforts focus on governance, economic development, and cultural resilience, guided by a strategic plan developed through extensive community engagement.
Adapting to COVID-19
When the pandemic struck in early 2020, severe travel restrictions and health risks for Indigenous communities disrupted planned face-to-face research activities. The Gugu Badhun and their research partners swiftly adapted, launching an online webinar series called "Sovereignty Sundays." These webinars, held via Zoom, enabled Gugu Badhun citizens to engage in nation-building discussions safely from their homes.
Key Benefits of Digital Engagement
The shift to digital methods brought unexpected advantages. Diasporic Gugu Badhun members could participate in discussions, fostering a sense of unity across distances. The webinars also created a valuable repository of digital resources, allowing ongoing access to nation-building content. This inclusivity is crucial in maintaining cultural and political engagement among the Gugu Badhun.
Challenges of Online Nation-Building
However, the transition to digital platforms was not without difficulties. Technical issues and varying levels of digital literacy among participants posed significant challenges. The absence of in-person interactions also hindered the transmission of cultural knowledge, traditionally shared through direct, personal engagement on Country. Despite these limitations, the Gugu Badhun's commitment to their nation-building goals ensured the success of the online approach.
The Future of Digital Civic Participation
The success of Sovereignty Sundays underscores the potential of digital tools in enhancing civic participation for Indigenous communities. While digital engagement cannot fully replace the richness of face-to-face interactions, it provides a viable alternative, especially in times of crisis. The Gugu Badhun experience highlights the need for flexible, adaptive research methodologies that respect Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty.
What’s next?
The Gugu Badhun's innovative use of digital tools during the pandemic has set a precedent for other Indigenous nations exploring similar approaches. Their experience demonstrates that, with the right strategies, digital platforms can support effective and inclusive nation-building. As digital civic engagement becomes more commonplace, it is essential to continue researching and refining these methods to ensure they meet the unique needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities.
By adapting to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gugu Badhun Nation has shown resilience and innovation in their nation-building efforts. Their journey provides valuable insights into the potential of digital engagement in supporting Indigenous self-governance and community development.
The study is available at https://search.informit.org/doi/abs/10.3316/informit.T2024080800004590612646662
