A growing number of community based landcare groups across Western Australia are keen in develop genuine collaboration processes with our First Nations People. The 2019 WA State NRM and Coastal Conference provided not only a range of presentations from First Nations People but also developed a genuine commitment from landcarers to future collaborative processes. A key outcome of the Conference included delegates supporting the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart’ and calling upon colleagues and fellow Australians to join them in this important national dialogue.

The growing interest in collaboration reflects the increasing recognition amongst landcarers of aboriginal people as the custodians of the land on which they work, and an understanding of the intrinsic link between the aboriginal culture of caring for country and the work landcarers do.

Aboriginal collaboration provides the landcare movement with a means to:

– recognise Aboriginal people as the custodians of the land, giving them a voice and empower them to continue to caring for country;

– protect and enhance the Aboriginal cultural values in Australia landscapes;

– develop a two way learning opportunity recognising the value of Aboriginal cultural science and merging knowledge and ideas with western science for a better landcare outcome;

– support and participate in the movement of reconciliation in Australia.

WALN hopes in this hot topic to provide some guidance on the principles of good collaboration, some ideas of how landcare groups can support the national reconciliation movement, and case studies of where collaboration between landcare groups and aboriginal groups is working well.

 

 

Principles of good collaboration

Source: Notes taken from’ What Does Strong Collaboration Look Like’  A presentation by Phil Duncan at the 2019 WA State NRM and Coastal Conference.

View the full presentation https://youtu.be/f2sz-4dQgYI

Phil Duncan is from Moree New South Wales and is a member of the Gomeroi Nation and an elected representative of the Gomeroi Nation Native Title Claimant Group. His homelands are Moree and Terry Hie Hie. Phil has over 38 years’ experience working with Aboriginal people and government to improve the lives of Aboriginal people through recognition of our rich cultural history, the return of our lands, the improvement of our living conditions and education of our next generation through both his employment and active volunteer community work.

Respect and Understanding

Ask yourself are you a cultural communicator in the indigenous space – what do you need to do to make yourself one.

Listen to and respect cultural protocols and sensitivities.

Understand that the health of the land is intrinsically linked to the health of the Aboriginal people and that Aboriginal songlines and totems dictate cultural obligations to care for country.

Understand that Aboriginal culture knowledge must be earned and gifted and is passed on from generation to generation. The endearing term ‘Nothing about us without us’ provides a platform to learn more about Aboriginal culture.

Use Aboriginal language where possible it means a lot to Aboriginal people.

Recognise the Aboriginal Tool Box belongs to Aboriginal people – Information about cultural seasons and fire stick burning is Aboriginal intellectual property and should only be used with permission.

Appreciate and adopt the term cultural science as the next step on from traditional ecological knowledge

Relationships

Think of yourself as not just a champion but an accomplice who will stay with Aboriginal people throughout the entire journey.

Provide a culturally safe environment for aboriginal people to engage and have the courageous conversations about wanting to care for their country without being labeled trouble makers.

Commit to quality collaboration.When its too hard think about what you will be leaving the next generation.

Finding time to yarn and learn from each other is vital – building long lasting relationships takes time and patience is needed.

Opportunities

Co-designing your collaborative project is essential. Sharing stories and ideas and arriving at a shared goal is important to project success.

Focus on what is important to your indigenous partners. What do they want to do for their people, their culture and their land.

Recognise that everyone wants to be on country and providing employment opportunities on country will empower your aboriginal partners.

Ensure there is two way learning and aim to integrate cultural science with western science.

Validate cultural science where ever possible through schools programs, interpretive information, forums etc.

 

 

Aboriginal Partnership Engagement Framework

The diagram below provides a framework for developing good collaboration. Developed by George Walley and Bronte Grant the diagram provides the key elements and processes of developing a collaborative process.

 

 

Case studies of successful collaboration

WALN in in the process of preparing a number of case studies of examples of aboriginal collaboration. We hope to showcase where collaborative processes have been successful and resulted in relationship building, sharing of culture and information and successful landcare outcomes. We hope to provide inspiration and assistance to groups wanting to grow relationships and collaborative partnerships.

If you have an example of successful collaboration please contact WALN at enquiries@landcarewa.org.au.

 

Reconciliation Action Plans  – Making a commitment to reconciliation

Source: Reconciliation Australia https://www.reconciliation.org.au/

Reconciliation Australia promotes and facilitates respect, trust and positive relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) program provides a framework for organisations to support the national reconciliation movement. No matter where your organisation is on its reconciliation journey, there is a RAP to suit.  Organisations can be supported to develop one of four types of RAP—Reflect, Innovate, Stretch or Elevate.

A RAP is a strategic document that supports an organisation’s business plan. It includes practical actions that will drive an organisation’s contribution to reconciliation both internally and in the communities in which it operates. The RAP Program contributes to advancing the five dimensions of reconciliation by supporting organisations to develop respectful relationships and create meaningful opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  Each of the four RAP types (Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, Elevate) set out the minimum elements required from your organisation to build strong relationships, respect and opportunities within your organisation and community.

Reconciliation Australia’s RAP Framework provides organisations with a structured approach to advance reconciliation.  There are four types of RAP that an organisation can develop: Reflect, Innovate, Stretch, Elevate. Each type of RAP is designed to suit an organisation at different stages of their reconciliation journey. More detail about each type of RAP can be found her  https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/rap-framework-_v2.pdf

Reflect – Scoping reconciliation

A Reflect RAP clearly sets out the steps you should take to prepare your organisation for reconciliation initiatives in successive RAPs. Committing to a Reflect RAP allows your organisation to spend time scoping and developing relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders, deciding on your vision for reconciliation and exploring your sphere of influence, before committing to specific actions or initiatives. This process will help to produce future RAPs that are meaningful, mutually beneficial and sustainable.

Innovate – Implementing reconciliation

An Innovate RAP outlines actions that work towards achieving your organisation’s unique vision for reconciliation. Commitments within this RAP allow your organisation to be aspirational and innovative in order to help your organisation to gain a deeper understanding of its sphere of influence, and establish the best approach to advance reconciliation. An Innovate RAP focuses on developing and strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, engaging staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, developing and piloting innovative strategies to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Stretch – Embedding reconciliation

A Stretch RAP is best suited to organisations that have developed strategies, and established a strong approach towards advancing reconciliation internally and within the organisation’s sphere of influence. This type of RAP is focused on implementing longer-term strategies, and working towards defined measurable targets and goals. The Stretch RAP requires organisations to embed reconciliation initiatives into business strategies to become ‘business as usual’.

Elevate – Leadership in reconciliation

An Elevate RAP is for organisations that have a proven track record of embedding effective RAP initiatives in their organisation through their Stretch RAPs and are ready to take on a leadership position to advance national reconciliation. Elevate RAP organisations have a strong strategic relationship with Reconciliation Australia and actively champion initiatives to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and create societal change. Elevate RAP organisations also require greater transparency and accountability through independent assessment of their activities. Note: Please contact Reconciliation Australia if you are aspiring to undertake an Elevate RAP as there are unique requirements, expectations and processes to consider prior to commencement.

 

Examples of Reconciliation Plans

Bunbury Geographe ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was a collaborative effort of the Shires of Harvey, Dardanup and Capel and the City of Bunbury. It outlines a number of objectives and initiatives that will inform the policies, practices and procedures of each LGA. While development of the RAP was a cooperative effort, there will be specific policies and initiatives that will apply to all LGAs and others that will be delivered by individual LGAs’. http://www.bunbury.wa.gov.au/pdf/Community/RRAP_FINAL_05042019_EW%20-%20FINAL%20VERSION.pdf

Foundation Housing ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was launched  during 2019 National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June). Through the implementation of the Reflect RAP, the organisation is embarking on a journey that will see our organisation take both symbolic and practical steps towards ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the same access to opportunities available to all Australians. http://foundationhousing.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/COMS_20190516_RAP_Web.pdf

Reconciliation Australia ‘Stretch’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) July 2017-July 2020 By implementing RAPs of their own, Reconciliation Australia is leading by example in our application of actionable targets that demonstrate our deep commitment to achieving a just, equitable and reconciled Australia.https://www.reconciliation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/reconciliation-australia-stretch-rap-2017-2020.pdf