The First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance (FNHPA) is a national coalition comprising major Native Title, Land Rights, Traditional Owner, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations across Australia. Established in response to the 2020 destruction of the Juukan Gorge caves, FNHPA aims to enhance awareness and protection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage.
Main focus and key goals
FNHPA’s primary focus is to reform cultural heritage legislation to ensure First Nations peoples have control over their heritage. The Alliance advocates for laws that uphold the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) and align with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Collaborating with government and industry, FNHPA seeks to modernise protections and promote best practices in cultural heritage management.
Organisational structure
Hosted and managed by the National Native Title Council (NNTC), FNHPA operates under a Governance Charter that emphasises mutual respect, transparency, and integrity. The Alliance is guided by a Leadership Working Group (LWG), co-chaired by representatives from member organisations, ensuring diverse representation from various regions and communities.
Relation to sustainable finance
Through the Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Initiative, FNHPA collaborates with the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) and UN Global Compact Network Australia (UNGCNA) to integrate cultural heritage considerations into business and investment practices. This initiative provides resources, such as the Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Guides, to help businesses and investors adopt best practices that respect First Nations cultural heritage, thereby aligning financial activities with sustainable and ethical standards.
Resources and tools
FNHPA offers several resources beneficial to stakeholders:
- Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Guides: These guides offer practical advice on engaging with First Nations communities, emphasising the importance of FPIC and aligning with international human rights standards.
- Webinars and Case Studies: The Alliance hosts webinars and publishes case studies to educate and inform stakeholders about cultural heritage protection and best practices.
- Legislative Resources: FNHPA provides access to relevant state and Commonwealth legislation, aiding stakeholders in understanding the legal landscape of cultural heritage protection.
By offering these resources and advocating for legislative reforms, FNHPA plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Australia’s rich First Nations cultural heritage.
