Sustainable Solutions : Exclusive Interview with Chris Andrew at TEDx Sydney

This year at TEDx Sydney first salon event of the year, Chris Andrew will be speaking about his work with the Waluwin Foundation and how working with First Nations people and caring for country is the path forward for a more sustainable future. With an early career in the global investment banking and oil sectors, Andrew is now dedicated in addressing First Nations led economic development, by supporting the purchase of freehold title farmlands and reviving traditional agricultural practices. Join us as we delve into his inspiring journey and work in this Exclusive interview or be apart of the compelling TEDx Sydney talk this Thursday 27th.

Can you share a bit about your background and what led you to found the Waluwin foundation? Why have you decided to be a part of TEDxSydney’s First salon even this year?

“I’m a little like a reformed smoker, I’m a reformed banker! I was involved in the
pointy end of finance that deals in derivatives many years ago. However the past
15 or so years, I’ve been dabbling in the sustainability field which often offers the
opportunity to be invited to work with First Nations people. Paul Girrawah House,
a Ngambri-Wiradyuri man founded Waluwin Foundation to support the
re-establishment of the First Nations agrarian economy. I’m invited to contribute
to the “money story”. I am looking forward to speaking at TEDxSydney this year
because evidently, discussions around sustainability and environmental
responsibility are crucial to the future of this nation. I’m grateful and excited for
this opportunity to share my thoughts at TEDxSydney and meet a group of
inspiring and trail-blazing individuals in this space.”

What inspired you to get involved in this initiative?

“The generosity of Paul’s invitation to support Waluwin and challenge the wrongs
of our past. We all have a responsibility for past injustices to the land and people,
but rather than assign guilt and blame, we can act to change the systems and
institutions that perpetuated this harm. We can address past injustice through a
forward-looking lens to prevent future occurrences. That’s my inspiration!”

Do you think we currently have the right financial system to tackle climate change?

“No – look at the past 200 years and tell me what you think. We have a financial
system based on the wealth created from colonisation – massacres,
dispossession, maltreatment – this is a system built on the proceeds of crime. That
is not the foundation of a sustainable financial system.”

Can you tell us about how First Nations land ownership and traditional agricultural practices can help with environmental sustainability and the health of the land?

“First Nations “practices” – caring for Country – maintained the oldest living
culture for over 65,000 years, so I don’t think you need any more proof of a
successful practice. In terms of land ownership, as part of a self-determined First
Nations economy, freehold title ownership should be on the table for First Nations
farmers and their families. To make this happen, blackfellas need to be able to
borrow money to buy the farm so they can farm like blackfellas – with respect for
Mother Earth. Moreover, First Nations people have been denied fair access and
participation in the Australian economy, so land ownership is part of the way
intergenerational wealth can be re-established and transferred.”

Can you describe the mission and vision of your organization? How does it aim to support First Nations people and climate change?

“Waluwin bala ngiyangingu wudhaguwal bala ngulung-ganha murrugay
ngurambang mayiny wayarang bala wirimbirra murun ngani-nguwur
ngurambanggu.(The Waluwin purpose is to return Aboriginal people back to a
productive, sustainable life on Country). With First Nations people leading the way
on respecting Country, it provides the rest of us a roadmap to follow on managing
an increasingly unpredictable climate.”

How do you measure the impact of your work?

“Success is a long term viable self-determined First Nations agrarian economy
that benefits all Australians.”

Can you share any success stories or case studies where your organization has successfully helped First Nations communities acquire land and implement traditional agricultural practices?

. “We are a start-up tackling the impact of 200 years of colonisation. Our success
has been starting a new conversation around Indigenous Designed Finance and
the importance of freehold title to self-determination. Getting access to the wealth
that was stolen from First Nations people to acquire land will take a little longer to
achieve.”

What are some of the biggest challenges your organization faces?

“Australia has trouble acknowledging the truth of past injustices, and we’ve
witnessed 60% of the population not wanting to give Voice to First Nations people
determining their future. The structural racism that pervades our institutions is a
challenge for all First Nations organisations and many Australians eager to see a
more just world.”

Can you provide examples of innovative solutions or strategies that have helped?

“Ngama bangalnarranarra, the Mother Earth Loan, is First Nations-led financial
innovation. It leverages 20 years of work led by Emeritus Professor Bruce
Chapman at ANU and shows a new way to finance land, for both blackfellas and
whitefellas.”

What role do partnerships with other organizations, government bodies, and stakeholders play in your work? Can you share any examples of successful collaborations?

“Waluwin has been collaborating with ANU on a few fronts. The College of
Business and Economics has been undertaking the financial modelling of the
Mother Earth loan to demonstrate its performance relative to a standard loan
under a range of variable conditions. Given the resistance we’ve encountered in
the financial sector, it’s important to counter their intransigence with strong
analytical responses. We’ve also been collaborating with the Research School of
Biology. Since colonisation the landscape has altered dramatically and for most
of that period First Nations people have been prevented from adapting their land
management practices to the changed conditions. Science plays a key role in
assisting to understand and adapt traditional practices to the altered landscape.”

What are you hoping to see come out of TEDxSydney Salon – Net Positive: Visions of a Net Zero Future for Australia?

“From my TEDxSydney talk, I’m hoping to shine a light on the injustice inherent in
Australia’s banking system – to speak truth to financial power. First Nations
management of Country was based on respect and if we are going to finance a
future that addresses the challenges of climate change, we need to bring respect
into the financial system that supports that action. I’m really excited for the new
salon format of TEDxSydney as well, and am hoping this more intimate setting will
allow for new connections with like-minded people with a similar vision for
sustainability. If you want to know exactly what my TEDxSydney talk will touch on,
I would love for you to join me!

What is your long-term vision for the Waluwin foundation and for helping with the ongoing issue of environmental sustainability?

“Paul’s vision is to create a First Nations farm-scape, caring for Country and
respecting Mother Earth. Not a bad path towards fixing the harm caused over the
past 200 years.”

What advice would you give to others who are interested in supporting similar initiatives or working in social enterprises geared towards empowering First Nations communities and tackling climate change?

“My advice is to non-Indigenous Australians only. My advice would be to take
meaning in offering to share your knowledge and experience. It’s an offer of
something with no hooks or obligations. It’s equitable and non-judgemental. It
recognises that whilst you may value your abilities, the judgment of their worth
sits with someone else. Sharing happens only when an invitation is extended,
which may or may never happen.”