Question

Identify three diverse and complex factors that you should be aware of when working with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples, and explain why they may impact your work.

Answer 1

Ans)Finding out what community structures are in place will make it easier to decide how to go about networking with and presenting ourselves to the community. Do this by contacting local Aboriginal organisations and/or theLocal Aboriginal Land Council.

• Learn as much about the community as possible.

• Seek out the key people to engage with.

• Consult only with people who are across Aboriginal issues and community dynamics.

• Build strong networks with key people and groups and use the same group when future consultation is required; this will help build trust and maintain consistency.

• Determine the family structures that are in place.

• Ensure that consultation is undertaken with all key family groups within the community. This will avoid some families missing out which can cause conflict.

• Be aware and cautious of dynamics between families and the community.

• Always be open, honest and respectful.

• Seek appropriate permission from the Local Aboriginal Land Council and/or Elders to hold meetings on their land.

• Offer assistance with transport to and from meetings, particularly for meetings being held in rural and remote areas.

• Involve as many Aboriginal Elders, leaders, representatives from all local family groups and local Aboriginal organisations when planning or evaluating a service (establish a community advisory group).

• Where advisory groups arenestablished, develop a terms of reference that clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of the group and its members to avoid any confusion.

• Ensure consultations and negotiations are real, genuine and not tokenistic (i.e. consult with a person or group at the beginning, middle and end of a project).

• Keep your word — distrust and cynicism towards non-Aboriginal people and service providers means you need to maintain good communication and always follow through on agreements or decisions.

• Use a common-sense approach.

• Good consultation and negotiation with Aboriginal people takes time so be patient and do not rush matters. Aboriginal people may not work to deadlines about community business in the same way you do. They may also have other important demands on their time that you may not be aware of.

• Don’t over-consult. It can be repetitive and time-wasting. Find out if similar consultations have recently occurred before another request to consult is made with Aboriginal communities.

• Where possible use the consultation and negotiation processes so community members are fully involved.