Join the Institute for Water Futures, ANU, for a special conversation with leading scholars to discuss First Nations knowledge and wisdom in research, as well as key opportunities for recognition and sharing through academia.

In this conversation, leading First Nations academics and graduates will discuss the role of universities in recognising, celebrating and connecting with Indigenous knowledge and wisdom in all its forms.

While the challenges are significant, the opportunities are great. How might we navigate these complex relationships together?

In this session the Institute for Water Futures invites panellists to present their vision for how the future of First Nations and universities together may become shared and mutually enriching. Speakers will be in conversation with moderator, Professor Quentin Grafton, and will take questions from our online audience. 

Moderator: Professor Quentin Grafton

Quentin Grafton is Professor of Economics and Chairholder UNESCO Chair in Water Economics and Transboundary Water Governance. He is an Australian Laureate Fellow (2020-25), convenes the Water Justice Hub and is the Executive Editor of the Global Water Forum. His collaborative research, as part of the IWF, is focused on water valuation and water planning in the Northern Murray-Darling Basin.

Panellist: Dr Virginia Marshall

Virginia is the Inaugural Indigenous Postdoctoral Fellow with the Australian National University's School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet) and the Fenner School of Environment and Society. She is a practising lawyer and duty solicitor, a former associate & researcher with the Federal Court of Australia in Sydney and professional member of the NSW Law Society and Women Lawyers Association of NSW. Former Senior Legal Officer of the Australian Law Reform Commission and inquiry into 'Family Violence & Commonwealth Laws: Improving Legal Frameworks' (ALRC 117), Executive Officer of the NSW Government's 'Aboriginal Water Trust' and criminal defence lawyer with NSW Legal Aid.

Virginia is a Research Associate, and member of the Advisory Board, with the Australian Studies Institute.

Panellist: Miss Hmalan Hunter-Xénié

Hmalan is of Tiwi/Iwaidja and Kaytej/Warlpiri descent (Northern Territory, Australia) and Drehu descent (Lifou Island, New Caledonia). She works primarily on projects regarding Indigenous engagement within the Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods (RIEL) at Charles Darwin University and is the coordinator of the Aboriginal Research Practitioners’ Network hosted by RIEL. She is interested in natural resource management and its connections with top end Indigenous communities.