Leading the way – our vision for reconciliation
Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is an important commitment, and call to action for AIATSIS. It is part of a broader approach to building our capability as a culturally proficient organisation.
Download our Reconciliation Action Plan 2014-2016 (PDF 2.8 MB).
2015 RAP Progress Report
In July 2015 we reflected on the progress we’d made against our RAP commitments and celebrated our RAP journey with colleagues from Reconciliation Australia (RA) and the Department of Human Services (DHS).
As an Elevate RAP organisation, we are committed to communicating our RAP journey in innovative ways. This commitment inspired secondees Diane Ellis of DHS and Emma Hedditch of RA to report on our progress in this visually powerful and engaging way.
Our RAP journey continues…
Photo gallery
Our RAP focus
Through the development and implementation of the AIATSIS Reconciliation Action Plan 2014-16; the Institute is committed to building on its reconciliation objectives, which will see AIATSIS:
- invest in a suite of innovative and inclusive culturally competent practices that strengthen AIATSIS’ position as a world leader in raising awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories
- become a role model for government agencies and research institutions both in Australia and around the world through our AIATSIS Towards Cultural Proficiency - a phased approach to building capability 2013 – 2015 Strategy and Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies
- provide advice and support to other entities on becoming culturally proficient
- support the building of capability to become culturally proficient in every aspect of our business
- continue to work collaboratively and in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a spirit of cooperation and reconciliation.
Tracking progress and reporting
AIATSIS' systems and policies reflect the highest standards for cultural competence:
- our systems, policies, documents and communications will continue to convey our commitment to acknowledging and understanding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and practices and Reconciliation Action
- measure the impact of cultural proficiency principles in AIATSIS
- sharing and celebrating our achievements and successes
- tracking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees
- report achievement, challenges and learning to Reconciliation Australia for inclusion in the annual Impact Measurement Report
- ensure the integrity of the RAP by obtaining independent assurance.
Relationships
Our activities will build strong relationships that contribute positively to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples:
- internally through our RAP Reference Working Group
- sharing knowledge, insights and ideas through seminars, symposia, and conferences
- key decisions will continue to be made in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- promote Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples, their heritage and cultures
- celebrate National Reconciliation Week by providing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and other employees to build relationships with the local communities
- in partnership with the ACT NAIDOC Committee and the National Museum of Australia host NAIDOC on the Peninsula
- providing the foundation for research excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies
- we will set positive directions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage conservation and management.
A workplace where all cultures particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are equally respected and engaged.
Respect
We are a world authority for managing, creating, and disseminating information related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples:
- we will take a leading role in providing advice to external agencies and organisations on the appropriate use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols, including Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners
- we will lead the transition from cultural awareness to cultural proficiency in the Australian Public Service (APS) and wider RAP community and share best practices
- continue to increase our knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, history, perspectives and contributions in order to lay the foundation for other RAP actions to be achieved
- celebrate 50 years of leadership and excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies
- in partnership with Reconciliation Australia, we will lead and host the Commonwealth Government Agencies RAP forum to collaborate and share ideas to improve overall RAP effectiveness across the Commonwealth Government sector
- we will provide a culturally safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for employees, stakeholders and visitors.
Opportunities
We value and support diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in our workplace:
- we will continue to assist in training people, particularly Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, as research workers in fields relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies
- we will continue to proactively support the increased use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses through Supply Nation and look at opportunities to promote their services to the wider community
- build on initiatives and programs to ensure we attract, develop and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, including support for their further education and training
- create opportunities for non-Indigenous staff to increase their knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultures
- staff will be encouraged to volunteer in local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community or not-for-profit organisations.