Naa Marni Niipurna

Hello Friends

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

Kaurna

Kaurna Land spans from Crystal Brook in the north. Cape Jervois in the south, the Adelaide hills in the east and waters in the west. Kaurna land borders Nukunu, Ngarrindjeri, Peramangk, Narungga and Ngadjuri. The term ‘Kaurna’ likely finds 
it’s roots from the neighbouring Ramindjeri/Ngarrindjeri language, showing the closeness between Aboriginal lands.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Kaurna People and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Kaurna People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

PERAMANGK

Peramangk country extends from the foothills above the Adelaide Plains, north from Mount Barker through Harrogate, Gumeracha, Mount Pleasant, and Springton to the Angaston and Gawler districts in the Barossa, and south to Strathalbyn and Myponga on 
the Fleurieu Peninsula. There are also sites along the River Murray to the east where Peramangk people had access to the river. “Peramangk” is a combination of words ‘Pera’ – place on the tiered range of mount lofty and ‘Maingker’ – red ochre skin warrior.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Peramangk People
and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Peramangk People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

Erawirung

Erawirung refers to the Yirawirung and Jirawirung people whose lands are located on the upper reaches of the Murray River in the Berri Riverland. The Riverland also refers to areas surrounding such as: Ngaiawang, Ngawait, Nganguruku, Ngintait, Ngaralte, Ngarkat and small parts of Maraura and Daanggali.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Erawirung People and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Erawirung People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

BOANDIK

Boandik country is located in the Mount Gambier region. “Boandik” or “Bunganditji” means ‘People of the Reeds’.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Boandik People and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Boandik People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Our understanding of relationships is inspired and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s knowledge and practice that sees all things as interrelated.

kurdnatta

Kurdnatta country is located in the Port Augusta region. This area also includes the lands of the Barngarla and Nukunu people. “Kurdnatta” means ‘Place of Drifting Sand’.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands of the Kurdnatta People and we respect and support their Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual and Emotional relationship with their Country.

We acknowledge the Traditional Lands
of the Kurdnatta People
and we respect and support their
Spiritual, Physical,
Intellectual and Emotional
relationship with their Country.

Next
Next
Next

We come together as RASA, a not-for-profit organisation that exists on the lands of Kaurna . Tarntanya . Kuntu . Yartapuulti . Warraparinga . Para Wirra . Peramangk . Erawirung . Boandik . Kurdnatta .

RASA recognises the world’s oldest continuous living culture. For more than 65,000 years the original custodians welcomed all people to their Lands. They taught us responsibility, reciprocity and connections to these lands, knowing we are all visitors to these places that we live, work, and enjoy.

We acknowledge the importance of knowing these countries, to recognise the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their Elders, their communities, their stories. When we learn about Country we recognise the care for the lands, skies, waters, plants, and animals that has always been a part of Aboriginal cultures.

We come together as RASA,
a not-for-profit organisation that
exists on the lands of
Kaurna . Tarntanya . Kuntu .
Yartapuulti . Warraparinga .
Para Wirra . Peramangk . Erawirung .
Boandik . Kurdnatta .

RASA recognises the world’s oldest
continuous living culture. For more
than 65,000 years the original
custodians welcomed all people to
their Lands. They taught us
responsibility, reciprocity and
connections to these lands,
knowing we are all visitors to these
places that we live, work, and enjoy.

We acknowledge the importance of
knowing these countries, to recognise
the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people, their Elders,
their communities, their stories.
When we learn about Country we
recognise the care for the lands,
skies, waters, plants, and animals
that has always been a part of
Aboriginal cultures.

We are conscious of our privilege to be here, doing the work that we do.
We understand that this privilege comes from the ongoing violation of these
lands which continues to harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's

relationships, health, wellbeing and aspirations.

RASA embraces the opportunity to learn from the knowledge and wisdom of First Nations peoples. The knowledge and wisdom we absorb inspires us to work restoratively,
with open-mindedness and holistically, to foster meaningful change in future lives.

We believe that walking in harmony depends on our ability as an organisation to listen, appreciate, collaborate, learn, and speak up.

We are conscious of our privilege to
be here, doing the work that we do.
We understand that this privilege
comes from the ongoing violation
of these lands which continues to
harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people's relationships,
health, wellbeing and aspirations.

RASA embraces the opportunity to
learn from the knowledge and
wisdom of First Nations peoples.
The knowledge and wisdom we
absorb inspires us to work
restoratively, with open-mindedness
and holistically, to foster meaningful
change in future lives.

We believe that walking in harmony
depends on our ability as an
organisation to listen, appreciate,
collaborate, learn, and speak up.

This is, was and always will be, Aboriginal land, water and songlines.

This is, was and always will be,
Aboriginal land, water and songlines.

Learn More
Learn More
Enter Site
Enter Site
Open
Close
Walking Together

Walking Together

Relationships Australia South Australia Indigenous Network Action Plan

     

The RAIN Executive developed this plan after many months of consultation.
RA CEOs endorsed the plan on Thursday, 22 August 2019

View Action Plan PDF

Spirit of Intent

Relationships Australia acknowledges the cultural, spiritual and economic sovereignty of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and we understand that the ongoing violation of this sovereignty continues to harm Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s health, wellbeing and aspirations.

Relationships Australia is committed to strengthening the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and communities.

We recognise that respecting and nurturing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is a benefit for all Australians.

What We Want to Achieve

  • Culturally safe organisational space and practice.
  • Well supported and thriving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
  • Services and programs that work for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
  • Strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and self-determination.
  • Healthy and safe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people who have pride in their cultural traditions and optimism for the future.
  • Culturally and spiritually strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families that are safe and economically secure.
  • Safety and respect for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

How We Will Do It

01

Encourage, support and resource ongoing cultural safety and acknowledgement.

  • Create spaces for ‘deep’ listening and discussion that build honesty, truth-telling, respect and understanding about white privilege and racism.
  • Inform and educate all RA staff about the history and ongoing legacy of colonisation and its enduring harm on Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
  • Recognise the intergenerational trauma that affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, in our interactions and our service design and implementation.
  • Enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to express their concerns, including frustration with failure to overcome and heal the trauma and harm experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  • Implement leadership strategies for enabling non-Indigenous staff to review and overcome resistance, fear and/or guilt about the invasion of Australia.
  • Build strategies to constructively analyse and respond to cultural conflict when it arises within the organisation, between teams or individual staff.

How We'll Do It

02

Ensure programs and services are relevant and accessible.

  • Encourage and employ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff in mainstream and culturally specific job roles.
  • Develop targeted Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs that strengthen children and young people’s pride in their cultural traditions, and support the safety and respect of older people.
  • Ensure mainstream RA services are accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  • All levels of the organisation participate in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community events and ceremonies where appropriate.
  • Describe service strategies that make RA services accessible and relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities in tender writing and communications materials.
  • Seek, include and respond to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views in planning and policy development.

How We'll Do It

03

Strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff wellbeing and expertise.

  • Recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff skills, knowledge and community expertise and where possible align with mainstream qualifications and skills.
  • Recognise the cultural responsibilities that most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to contribute to their communities’ wellbeing as part of their specific job roles.
  • Ensure managers and team leaders share responsibility for enabling Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to combine cultural responsibilities with work expectations and job roles effectively.
  • Develop organisational practices that acknowledge and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural responsibilities, including the use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. Promote positive achievement and support living in balance through song, dance and stories.

How We'll Do It

04

Build governance practices that support and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership and self-determination.

  • Establish cultural accountability practices and structures with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and services, the general organisation and board.
  • Facilitate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to ‘caucus’ about key service delivery issues in a culturally safe context and report a range of views.
  • Create Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership roles that influence executive decision-making. Seek to influence policy on issues of importance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

How We'll Behave

SIT TOGETHER

  • Engage with cultural differences, including conflicts and disagreements.
  • Appreciate the vulnerability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people when they challenge mainstream systems.
  • Learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture.
    Recognise there is significant diversity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people including differing cultural traditions, different experiences of discrimination and dispossession, and diverse ways of living culture in contemporary Australia.
  • Create places for building meaningful partnerships based on respect, where differences remain visible, are welcomed and we work together not expecting uniformity.
  • Understand this is an effort and can be challenging.

LISTEN

  • Listen deeply and carefully – walk in others’ shoes.
  • Unpack and unsettle assumptions.
    Clarify understanding and avoid making judgements.
  • Remember, acknowledgement is not the same as agreement.
  • Notice and respect the intersectionality of various forms of stigma and discrimination that individual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live with.

GIVE TIME​

  • Sit with uncomfortable responses.
    Recognise that Cultural Fitness cannot be finished.
  • Understand that all healthy relationships require time, focus and effort.

RESPECT CULTURAL KNOWLEDGE

  • Recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have different cultural knowledge, ways of relating and parenting practices.
  • Acknowledge that cultural knowledge comes with cultural responsibility and accountability.
  • Notice and respect differences within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and people.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

  • Understand the practices and impacts of privilege and mainstream culture.
  • Understand how racism operates systemically and not just as individual, intentional abuse.
  • Take individual and collective responsibility for making change.
  • Use restorative practices (high challenge – high support).

How We’ll Know We’ve Made a Difference

  • Cultural Fitness training for all RA staff annually.
  • Monitor numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff employed in what positions.
  • Monitor numbers of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traineeships in the organisation.
  • Monitor numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in leadership roles
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-specific programs are ongoing within the organisation.
  • The voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and communities are evident in evaluations.

We’re in relationship from the moment we’re born.

YOU BELONG

IN RELATIONSHIP

Join Our Newsletter

choice(Required)
Skip to content