Undeniably, in recent years, recognition has grown across industries of the importance of building respectful and genuine relationships with First Nations communities. Regardless of which sector you work in, First Nations community engagement is not just about compliance. It’s about listening, building trust, and fostering long-term partnerships grounded in mutual respect.
Often when we are navigating this essential work, there can be a level of overthinking or hesitancy that derails the intention of engagement. Here are some insights that can support this engagement more meaningfully.
- Do the work to understand the history
Before starting any type of engagement with the community, it’s important to do your research and take the time to understand the community. This research goes beyond knowing the traditional owner group and finding out if Native Title has been awarded.
This involves understanding the land, the languages, the history, resource development, and the impact colonisation has had on the community over time. For example, was a mission previously located within the area? If so, you would be engaging with a historically displaced population within the First Nations community, which will influence how you should approach engagement. Additionally, you should try to understand if there is a legacy of broken promises, abused relationships, and the role your organisation or project may have historically played in these experiences.
This knowledge demonstrates respect and a willingness to learn and avoid harmful assumptions.
- Understand the difference between hearing and listening
Respect is the foundation of any relationship. This means acknowledging the sovereignty of First Nations communities, their leadership structures, and their right to self-determination.
Listening, not just hearing, is essential. Take the time to understand the community’s history, priorities, concerns, and hopes for the future. What is being shared may not relate to your scope, but it’s important to recognise the significance of what is being shared.
Avoid entering conversations with a predetermined agenda. Instead, create a space for an open and honest dialogue that allows flexibility.
- Engage early and regularly
Community engagement is often an afterthought, occurring when decisions have already been made or at the last minute. This approach undermines trust and reinforces a sense of exclusion and a lack of agency (a feeling that is all too common within First Nations communities).
Meaningful engagement must start at the very beginning of a project or initiative and continue throughout its lifecycle. It’s important to be flexible with consultation periods and, as a project team, have agreed contingencies in place to account for relationship building during times of crisis for community (ie. sorry business). Another reason why it’s important to engage early is to allow for community to discuss matters among themselves before officially engaging with the project team.
Treat engagement as an ongoing relationship, not a one-time transaction. Build in regular check-ins, and ensure that communication remains open and transparent.
- Acknowledging protocols and cultural practices
Each community has their own governance, cultural protocols, and practices. Some may require formal introductions to Elders. Other communities may have specific procedures for consultation.
Engaging with community is not about asking for input or gaining access. It should be a two-way street, sharing benefits, knowledge, and practices. This could extend to training, employment opportunities, community investment, and capacity-building initiatives that align with community goals.
Always ask how the community wants to be engaged with and what support or resources are needed. Be prepared to follow through and be adaptable.
- Be accountable and transparent
If you make a commitment, follow through. If circumstances change and you can’t deliver on a promise, be honest and communicate clearly as to why not. Trust is built progressively, and even small missteps can have long-lasting consequences if not addressed openly and clearly.
Transparency about decision-making processes, reporting requirements, timelines, and constraints helps build mutual understanding.
It’s important to remember that engagement with First Nations communities is not a checkbox exercise; it is a journey. It requires humility, patience, and commitment. When done right, it creates stronger communities, genuine collaboration, and a project outcome where First Nations voices are heard and acted upon.
