PAMA FUTURES Indigenous designed and led
About
Pama Futures has a strong focus on planning and organisation at the level of the 12 sub-regions of Cape York. The sub-regional focus contrasts with the usual approach which focuses almost exclusively on Indigenous communities. A new focus on the broader sub-region is needed so that the land surrounding communities is better included in planning processes. Areas of land surrounding communities where land rights are recognised must form a significant part of the development story if people are going to reduce their dependence on government and sustain themselves from their land. Communities remain important; indeed, they are key focal points within each sub-region.
Why regional governance is important
When it comes to participating in and making decisions about the future of a community, including terms of services and budgets, everyone residing in the community should be able to participate and have a voice. Cape York’s 17 Indigenous communities are artefacts of the mission days, and residents include Traditional Owners and those who have multi-generational historical and residential association with the community. Pama Futures acknowledges the diaspora of First Nations people living in Cairns and other outlaying areas that continue to have a deep and abiding interest in their home community and their ancestral lands.