Get in touch with your organisation’s Aboriginal and/or Diversity and Inclusion team to find out what Aboriginal Cultural Capability training is available. You can also find providers on the Kinaway or Supply Nation business directory.
Cultural awareness means being aware of, and developing sensitivity to, cultural difference and cultural diversity.
Cultural safety is an environment that is safe for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, where there’s no assault, challenge or denial of their identity and experience.
Aboriginal Cultural Capability
A good induction process is vital for all new employees. It helps new starters feel welcome and comfortable and gives them the information they need to effectively perform their role.
It’s also an opportunity for organisations to build Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural capability by including:
Every employee is different, and the induction process should be tailored to best suit them.
General induction tips:
If these don’t form part of your usual induction process, plan an initial conversation to:
Creating opportunities for your new starter to meet their colleagues and connect are important.
Things you can do:
Things to avoid:
When getting to know your new starter, it’s important not to make insensitive comments or ask inappropriate questions.
Do not:
When speaking about or with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people it’s best to use phrases like “Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander”, “Koori/Koorie”, “First Nations”, or Traditional owner names (such as “Yorta Yorta” or “Wurundjeri”).
Koori/Koorie is a word broadly used by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people from south-eastern Australia to describe themselves. This is different to more specific Traditional Owner names such as Yorta Yorta or Wurundjeri. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people from other parts of Australia may use different words such as Murri, Nyoongar, Palawah, etc to generally describe themselves.
Don’t use acronyms or other phrases like “ATSI” or “Aborigine/s”. These are outdated and can have negative connotations.
There are many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander English words and phrases. If they aren’t part of your regular vocabulary, it’s best to avoid using them. It might come across as inauthentic or awkward.
Aboriginal Culture and History
The Victorian Government recognises that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander employees may have cultural responsibilities requiring their absence from work.
Advise new starters on their leave cultural leave entitlements. They may include but is not limited to:
For Victorian public sector employees not employed under the VPS Agreement, we encourage organisations to think flexibly to help employees meet their cultural obligations.
Respectful relationships and partnerships with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities will involve an understanding and respect for protocols. Ceremonies and protocols are an important part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
These include but are not limited to:
A Welcome to Country can only be performed by a Traditional Owner from the Formally Recognised Traditional Owner relevant to that location.
An Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners can be done by anyone.