Aboriginal Carbon Fund Limited
This organization has already been registered
Someone in your organization has already registered and setup an account. would you like to join their team?Profile owner : s**n@a***********n.o*g.au
Mission Statement
Aboriginal Carbon Foundation (AbCF) drives economic independence and community prosperity with First Nations peoples through innovative Indigenous-led restorative landscape and climate change solutions.
About This Cause
Aboriginal Carbon Foundation (AbCF) is a 100% Aboriginal-owned not-for-profit established in 2010 to create economic independence for First Nations peoples through a variety of innovative solutions, including carbon farming opportunities and cultural fire credits. We employ knowledge and expertise across a variety of sectors to empower and uplift First Nations communities across the country to fulfil their aspirations and dreams for community and country. (AbCF) catalyses life-changing, community prosperity and social and emotional health and wellbeing for First Nations people across the country, combining ancient cultural traditions and practices with cutting-edge science to empower First Nations people to take power back into their own hands. AbCF uses an empowerment model designed to close the gap in Indigenous health and wellbeing by connecting mob to country and building holistic social, emotional, and economic independence. We know that Indigenous people’s spiritual and cultural connections are irrevocably tied to land and taking care of country. Despite the richness of these connections and our commitment to closing the gap, the disadvantage continues. Our people are heart sore, but strong. And we have the hope, wisdom and knowledge of thousands of years of our ancestors to guide us. Here at AbCF, we combine our extensive cultural knowledge of taking care of Country and expertise in community development to improve the lives of First Nations peoples around the country. AbCF brings together Aboriginal lore, knowledge and science with cutting-edge technology to empower, uplift and inspire. We walk in two worlds for the advancement of our mob. We invite you to walk with us. WHO WE ARE AbCF is a specialised team of predominantly First Nations and community development experts whose passion lies in creating a better future for Indigenous peoples across the country. We are driven to create a new world of opportunities for Traditional Owners, Elders and community members – while also utilising cultural lore, knowledge and practices. Our combined knowledge and expertise is utilised to empower and uplift First Nations communities across the country to fulfil their aspirations and dreams for community and country. Many of these opportunities have led us to successful partnerships with Traditional Owner groups utilising the Cultural Carbon Credit – creating community prosperity and wellbeing. We are based across three states: Our CEO Rowan Foley is based on Mparntwe country in Alice Springs. Our team also operates on Gimuy country in Cairns, working extensively throughout Cape York and in the Eora Nation with Gadigal peoples. Our Patron, Marcia Langton, heads up an amazing Board of Directors who have supported us every step of the way. Most importantly, we are supported by a multitude of Traditional Owners, Elders and community mob around the country, along with First Nations people around the world who have thrown their support behind the empowerment work we are doing. Together we are creating a new way of doing things that honours and empowers First Nations peoples' culture, lore and knowledges. HOW WE WORK Empowering Traditional Owners and other First Nations groups while building capacity through implementing carbon projects that demonstrate environmental, social, and cultural benefits. AbCF utilises a range of innovative initiatives – connecting with Traditional Owners, Elders and ranger groups to build on their innate cultural capabilities to take care of country and use these skills to build economic independence for mob. As a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the empowerment of First Nations mobs, any revenue gained from these endeavours is cycled back into the Aboriginal communities we serve through a range of services and resources. Underpinning all the work we do is a commitment to improving the social and emotional health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people and communities and creating communities of mob with enough economic independence to pursue their own dreams and goals and be self-sufficient and self-sustaining. AbCF aims to close the gap in the deep disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We aim to build deep connections with First Nations peoples and empower them through a range of training, support and resource-building initiatives to achieve their aspirations for their community and country. One of the methods we employ occurs through utilising Carbon farming credits and other First Nations-led nature repair initiatives like cultural burns. We aim to build capacity and support First Nations groups who are already engaged in taking care of Country. OUR COLLABORATIONS We proudly boast a strong culture of innovation and collaboration, placing Aboriginal culture, community, and lore at the forefront of everything we do. Our entire ethos is centred around Aboriginal knowledge, science and technology in the application of taking care of country for future generations. We take risks and invest in the development of cultural carbon and fire projects and services that benefit Indigenous peoples and communities and address climate change. We seek cultural collaborations with other Indigenous organisations, carbon companies, non-government organisations (NGOs), conservation and environmental organisations and universities and government agencies. OUR INNOVATIONS Our Aboriginal ancestors were some of the earliest pioneers of science and technology, and AbCF takes our lead from our first innovators. We are particularly proud of our nationally accredited Carbon Farming Training course that has led to countless opportunities for First Nations people living and working on country. The direct impact this has had on mob is undeniable – many have been able to country for the first time; the creation of ranger positions working on Country and a significant increase in cultural knowledge transmission. The result is that Aboriginal communities are much better placed to be able to manage and self-determine their own community affairs. SELF-DETERMINING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT For Indigenous peoples of this country, the journey towards empowerment and self-determination often faces challenges tied to traditional ways of thinking. One such hurdle is the prevalent use of needs-based approaches, which often portray communities as mere recipients of external help rather than active creators of their own futures. Enter the Strengths-based Planning Tools – a guiding light on the road to self-determining progress for Indigenous communities. The Strengths-Based Planning Tools and associated training program aim to reshape the perception of communities. Instead of viewing them as problems to be solved through externally imposed projects, the focus shifts to inspiring confidence, pride, and celebration by recognising and building upon existing strengths. The program encourages community leaders to redirect their focus from securing funds for externally determined ‘needs’ to nurturing internal capabilities and aspirations, reinforcing the importance of self-determination. Welcome to a journey that empowers communities to shape their own destiny. INDIGENOUS NATURE REPAIR Aboriginal savanna burning and tree-planting carbon farming projects, when lead and managed by Aboriginal ranger groups and Traditional Owners, provide many core benefits to community and Country. These benefits resonate with today’s generation and also provide pathways for inter-generational learning, connection to country and wealth generation. The carbon farming projects and initiatives provide a sustainable business model, which extends land management and conservation work and provides core benefits in a range of areas. This includes social, cultural, environmental, economic, health and political self-determination. SOCIAL BENEFITS Increased social capital as community members work together on projects. Increased confidence, self-esteem and sense of purpose. Increased pride in self and others. Increased community harmony, through enhanced relationships and reduction of drug and alcohol abuse. Increased opportunities for women to participate and benefit from project. CULTURAL BENEFITS Meaningful work that aligns with the interests and values of the Rangers. Protection of sacred sites (men’s and women’s business). Maintenance and passing on of traditional ecological knowledge. Education of children by Elders in traditional knowledge, especially caring for country. Increased retention of language and identity. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS Decreased carbon emissions. Decreased incidence and intensity of wildfires, by burning country the right way. Protection of life and property through reduction of wildfires. Increased management of pests and weeds. Recovery of biodiversity through the protection of native species of flora and fauna. Increased management of tourists visiting country and reduction of their impacts. Protection Of Native Species ECONOMIC BENEFITS Secure employment for people living in remote communities. Employment of men and women. Career development opportunities. Good salary and working conditions. Supporting sustenance of outstations. Reduced welfare dependence. Strengthened community level economy. Development of income generation projects. HEALTH BENEFITS Improved spiritual well-being through the regular completion of cultural obligations to country. Increased exercise and physical activity by working on the land. Increased nutrition through access to and availability of traditional foods. Increased nutrition through more regular sharing of traditional foods with family and others. Decrease in drug and alcohol consumption. POLITICAL / SELF-DETERMINATION BENEFITS Increased control over finances through economic independence. Increase in leadership skills. Increased confidence to work with Government, Private Sector & NGOs. Transfer of knowledge through working in partnerships and combining traditional knowledge with latest technologies.