EXPERTS GATHER FOR INDIGENOUS STUDIES CONFERENCE IN BOORLOO

Hundreds have gathered for the AIATSIS Summit in Boorloo Perth. Credit: Facebook, AIATSIS.

The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, or AIATSIS, has been holding its annual summit this week in Boorloo/Perth.

Indigenous people, academics, native title holders and government representatives have gathered to hear presentations on a range of topics, including the Voice to Parliament, Native Title and ethical research.

Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation Culture and Heritage Manager Phil Davies gave a presentation on Tuesday about Indigenous belief systems.

He said considering Indigenous belief systems as religions could help in legal battles to protect country and culture.

“Aboriginal belief systems are equivalent to, as strong as, and as valid as non-Indigenous religious systems,” he said.

The summit concludes tomorrow.

Listen to an interview with Phil Davies: