KJR joins 2022 NAID

JCU, Advance Queensland, Guardians of Earth, Great Barrier Reef Foundation as well as Tropical North Queensland Drought Hub (TNQ Drought Hub) are also on board to host the 2022 edition. 

The event

The Northern Australian Indigenous Datathon (NAID) is a yearly community and technology workshop spearheaded by James Cook University in Cairns that powers the exploration of data-driven solutions to real-world Indigenous community challenges.  

On Friday 21st October through Sunday 23rd October JCU’s Ideas Lab Cairns campus will welcome a diverse group of participants, traditional owners, community leaders, students and technologists who will work together to solve unique challenges faced by local Indigenous communities using data driven technologies as led by Traditional Owners who are experts in the topic domains.  

The Objective

The purpose of the NAID is to bring individuals of various backgrounds and expertise in one place where they can learn, share and educate on Indigenous culture. The datathon empowers collective innovation using digital technologies to develop practical solutions that can be transferred back into community.  

The collaborative engagement fostered at these workshops is paramount for future sustainability. 2021 participant and CEO of Earth Guardians Andrew Robinson reflects “We have a lot of data coming in through devices we point at nature, but the real supercomputers are the brains of the people that come together at these datathons. To be able to access the Indigenous Rangers knowledge, to have these conversations and hear different perspectives is amazing.” 

Chair of KJR Dr. Kelvin Ross adds “It’s a great opportunity for bringing together people of slightly different backgrounds, who may have different viewpoints to solving unique challenges, and opening their eyes to what their role and special skills bring but also opening them up to what they can learn from others. As a team we deliver a lot more.” 

The stories

This follows a successful inaugural event in November 2021 where over 50 participants worked through unique agricultural and land terrain challenges and pitched their solutions to a panel of industry and community members for first place prize.

On the 2021 edition community leader and Wallara Traditional Owner Anne-Marie Keating said “my favourite part about the Datathon is working with a whole range of people that all carry a different knowledge base. Exploring this technology is extremely useful and a lot of fun.” 

Kowanyama ranger Justin Dick who attended as a topic expert/team lead also notes the datathons significance for further learning stating he’d “take back on what I’ve learned and pass my knowledge on to the next generation coming up into the world today.” 

Participants will have the chance to develop their tech skills and handle real world data and develop tools under the guidance of Traditional owners, as well as create connections and foster collaboration with one another.   

For more information and to participate visit the website here