Reconciliation in my workplace

I had spent some time in remote and urban Indigenous communities and as a non-Indigenous person, I was constantly being asked ‘What’s going on in these communities?’ and ‘What can I do about it?’ Trying to understand some of the issues involved is really hard and something I really struggle with. So to promote discussion in my workplace, my office got together and I showed some photos and told some stories. The most important part of our conversation was showing non-Indigenous people that they have to learn to listen! And also be expected to get things wrong – Indigenous ownership is a key element that is needed in these communities.

It was such a great thing to do! People felt comfortable in this environment to ask questions that they were scared to ask normally and they were all really interested in doing something – taking action- to contribute towards reconciliation. At the end of the meeting we decided that we would purchase a recognition plaque that acknowledges the Kulin people as the traditional owners of the land where our office is. A few people even elected to join a reconciliation-working group that is starting up in our workplace! ANTaR (Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation) provide these plaques and also lots of great suggestions of ways to participate in reconciliation, and lots of people showed interest in purchasing these plaques for their homes. This is such an easy way to promote discussion, as it is such a visual and practical thing to do!