Introducing Charlie Milsom Owen

Recently commencing an Indigenous Cadetship with The Cairns Institute (TCI), Charlie (pronouns she/they) is an Anthropology/ Sociology student with a particular interest in studying topics related to political ecology, ecofeminism, and structural violence – all of which she hopes to explore comprehensively in future (preferably forever!) as she tells us.

Charlie is Palawa mob, through her father’s Tasmanian Aboriginal heritage, and is proud to be descended from and related to this beautiful culture and country. Despite growing up in Far North Queensland, she has been lucky enough to spend some time on country in Tasmania, and feels a profound love for the land and people – she would like, more than anything, to strive to make deeper connections with the culture and community of her mob. Ideally, she would love to commit herself to actively caring for country, and growing meaningful relationships with people and place, to feel closer to her culture, people, and ancestral home.

Deeply passionate about the environment, she is keen to be involved in research which addresses issues of environmental degradation through an increasingly holistic – and critically informed – lens. They are hoping to pursue HDR opportunities in future that allow them to critically consider the relationships between “natural” and “developed” ecosystems (especially as regards the discussion and deconstruction of dualistic narratives), and how this might relate to both climate change mitigation as well as environmental adaptation.

Since a TCI Cadetship represents an opportunity for real-world research experience, Charlie hopes it will help her gain a deeper understanding of not only the logistics of conducting research, but of the processes and practices of theoretical analysis. Aside from the beneficial learning opportunities, she is also excited for the chance to work on a project that is oriented around investigating (and implementing) solutions to the ecological issues caused by climate change.

So far, as well as valuing the experience of joining such a supportive and accomplished team, they have very much enjoyed the challenge of exploring – and putting into practice – unfamiliar and novel ideas. Ultimately, they hope that their time spent with TCI will supplement the learning of their degree with first-hand engagement (and networking opportunities!). ideally helping them to grow into a more well-rounded individual, as well as a reflective and curious scholar. 

Issued January 2025