This seminar examines the viability of a wildlife enterprise in Maningrida that targets animal three species for commercial sale: saltwater crocodiles, northern long-necked turtles and tarantula spiders. Whilst the crocodile and turtle industries are well established, the tarantula spider industry is an emergent industry. The seminar will focus upon the broad range of factors influencing the development of the enterprise and its on-going viability. Particular attention will be paid to:

Sustainable wildlife enterprises in remote Indigenous communities are an important source of economic development and employment whilst providing people with opportunities to continue their close connection with country and maintain customary wildlife harvesting practices. Critical to the success of wildlife enterprises is recognition of the importance of both Indigenous ecological knowledge and western science in their design and implementation.

The educational and social disengagement of Indigenous youth in many remote communities in Northern Australia is well documented. A cursory reading of media reports and opinion pieces uncovers many who can be blamed: schools, parents, teachers, government, socialists, anthropologists, linguists and even film makers.

his seminar will provide a perspective on the Intervention from one of the largest Indigenous townships in the NT through the eyes of two doctoral research scholars who were researching in the community as the Intervention broke. The paper analyses the initial reactions of both the people of the region and their local organisations, as well as detailing their interactions with the Northern Territory Emergency Response Taskforce and other government agencies during the first month of the Intervention.