Moving Beyond a Social Licence to Operate

This chapter approaches the ‘Cultural Licence to Operate’ as an expression of ethical governance that centres Country. Country has its own voice and shares its voice with the people who prioritise their relationship with Country and practise cultural kinship on Country. Focusing in particular on insights from Australian First Nations peoples, this chapter argues the cultural licence to operate stands outside of colonial structures. It unpacks the interconnections it has with sovereignty, treaty, and customary economies. The chapter argues that a cultural licence to operate has always been recognised by colonial structures, and maintaining a cultural licence to operate is optimal for the well-being of Country, Aboriginal restorative practice (culture), and kinship futures – which is a First Nations way of thinking about sustainability. This chapter will define what is meant by a cultural licence to operate within a historical, cultural, and ethical context, making explicit what is meant by a voice of Country and the most acceptable modalities of entering into an agreement with Country.