Australian Aboriginals and Lakota (Sioux)
exchange gifts at Wounded Knee, South Dakota , 1989
The issues outlined above have implications for global social policy. As Dodson (1996: 17) points out, it is essential 'to build [indigenous] participation, empowerment and agreement into policy making processes' (see also Fourmile 1996). There are many specific issues which need to be addressed. How can we ensure access and equity for indigenous peoples through the development of social policies appropriate to a cyber- dimension? What are culturally appropriate methods for sharing indigenous knowledge in both the real and the virtual world? What protocols should be adopted? What constitutes appropriate indigenous participation in decision-making and managerial authorities? How are the above issues approached in the policy debates of indigenous and government organisations?
This session of the symposium will be devoted to panel-led discussion. The aim here is to produce specific recommendations and strategies for action. This information will be used to guide and inform policy-makers in the development of policies and programmes aimed at encouraging indigenous access and equity in an interconnected world.
At the conclusion of the symposium, one or more speakers will be asked to produce a brief conference summary in the form of a set of policy recommendations. Thus, one outcome of the symposium will be to provide guidance for policy-makers in both indigenous and government organisations.
References
Dodson, P. 1996 Reconciliation at the Crossroads. Address to the National Press Club April 1996. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service.
Fourmile, H. 1996 The Politics of Managing Aboriginal Rock Imagery. In Management of Rock Imagery, edited by G.K. Ward and L.A. Ward, 39-41. Melbourne: Australian Rock Art Research Association.