In 2025 the Centre for Native Title Anthropology (CNTA) at ANU was able to fund 3 internships to spend 3 weeks hosted by a native title organisation. We ran a competitive application process, and we pleased to receive 15 high quality applications.
Details of the three successful applicants are outlined below.
We are grateful to the host organisations for offering places to these successful applicants. Host organisations are Queensland South Native Title Services (QSNTS) based in Brisbane, Yamatji Marlpa. Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) with offices in Perth and the Pilbara, and the Northern Land Council (NLC) based in Darwin with regional offices throughout Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
Dr James Annard from First Nations Legal and Research Services (FNLRS) in Victoria will enjoy a placement with Kimberley Land Council in May 2025.
Funds for these internships were made possible by the Attorney General’s Department through the Native Title Anthropologist’s Grant Program.
Emma Dennis (t be hosted by NLC)
I have a deep interest in understanding people and the environment. It was a natural progression to pursue a degree in Anthropology, Sociology, and Geography with a focus on both the ‘static’ past and the ‘dynamic’ present of societies, and the intersection between people and the environment across diverse settings.
Working within a graduate program at the Cultural Burning Program at Karla Katitjin, DFES Bushfire Centre of Excellence, helped to fuel my already deep-seated interest the experience of First Nations people, particularly the recognition of land and water rights.
I spent time developing an understanding of the barriers First Nations peoples face, and how these impact on cultural identity, the sharing of cultural knowledge, and the benefits of joint management.
This contributed to the development of a research project exploring land management, community vulnerabilities, and the threats to ecosystems. Following this, I moved into working in the Cultural Heritage space, where I continue to focus on developing and supporting pathways that put First Nations ways of knowing and doing.
I am excited to secure the CNTA internship with the Northern Land Council and feel that the opportunity to work with their experienced team of anthropologists with will offer me a valuable learning opportunity. I am particularly interested in developing a greater understanding of joint land management in the context of the Northern Territory, where the NLC supports 14 Indigenous Ranger groups across seven parks and reserves, facilitating the continued stewardship of these areas.
I aim to deepen my understanding of the role Anthropologists can play in supporting Traditional Owner leadership on country, fostering local capacity building, and creating sustainable economic opportunities that empower Aboriginal landowners to care for their land, water, seas, and biodiversity in a land management context. I am particularly interested in how the philosophy supports positive engagement with, and outcomes for, women and youth.
Timaima Dawidi (to be hosted by QSNTS)
I graduated with First Class Honours in Anthropology from James Cook University. My honours thesis explored the impact of systematic collecting practices on cultural heritage preservation and community identity in Papua New Guinea. Her research studies have focused on museum curation, provenance studies, and ethical collecting practices, particularly the Telefomin collection housed at JCU.
My research interests intersect with Native Title through a commitment to ethical museum practices and Indigenous self-determination. I am particularly drawn to the role of material culture in land claims, cultural continuity, and policy development, advocating for community-led approaches to the management and interpretation of Indigenous cultural materials.
I hope to gain further experience in exhibition curation and cultural heritage research, particularly in working with curators, academics, and Indigenous communities to ensure ethical and meaningful representation of cultural artefacts.
I hope to contribute to Native Title by integrating anthropological research with museum practices, ensuring that Indigenous voices are central in discussions about cultural heritage and ownership.
Paul Dottin (to be hosted by YMAC)
I am a sociocultural anthropologist with interdisciplinary training in archaeology, sociology, ethnic studies, philosophy and psychology. As an academic, I have conducted fieldwork in the United States on social movements, and in China on Africans living in the PRC.
As a Cultural Heritage Managment consultant in Australia, I conduct ethnographic and social surroundings impact surveys on behalf of Aboriginal Traditional Owners. As a CNTA Intern, I have been granted an excellent opportunity to gain expertise in cultural mapping, expert witnessing, and Country/culture-loss impacts assessment.
