What might be starting points for building relationships with Indigenous people?
- ‘Get to know us’
- Attend local events
- Visit Indigenous organisations and leaders
- Link to the ‘grapevine’
Working well together is all about relationships. When people know each other, and trust each other, then they work well together. If there are familiar faces in a workplace, it will be easier for local Indigenous people to walk in and feel welcome. If you are familiar with some local Indigenous people, you will feel more confident in your interactions with other Indigenous people.
Attending local Indigenous events is often a good way to meet people in a friendly and informal environment. There may be NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration) events and Reconciliation Week events in your local area. There may be events held by a local Indigenous corporation or other local Indigenous services such as Indigenous Legal Services, Indigenous Medical Services, Land Councils, sports clubs and so on. Click here for a list of Indigenous festivals in your state.
Visit Indigenous organisations and leaders
You might also contact local community organisations, health services, universities, vocational education institutions or other places where Indigenous people gather. They may be interested in having your staff visit for an information exchange on how you can help them, and what might help them work more easily with your service.
Certainly, if you’re a manager in a local branch or office, you should introduce yourself to local people of influence.
Most Indigenous groups in your local area will be able to advise on key contacts, organisations and events. If you have a local or regional Indigenous health service, land council, legal service, or any other Indigenous community service, you might begin by contacting them. If you can’t find any local agencies, contact your nearest office of the state department responsible for Indigenous affairs in your State.
If you are trying to publicise something – a consultation meeting, a position vacant, a new approach by your bank – it will often help to ask local people and organisations to ‘spread the word’. Mainstream newspapers or internet advertising on it’s own will not reach Indigenous people as effectively as the ‘grapevine’ or Indigenous owned and controlled print, radio and electronic media.
Click here for a list of Indigenous owned and controlled print, radio and electronic media.
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