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PRINCIPLES*
that can be applied to reconciliation initiatives.
|
 Reconciliation
is based on
communication,
trust,
respect,
listening and
understanding,
and having a vision.
There
are few human problems
without a solution.
Often the resources
to deal with a problem
exist within the community,
but lie untapped.
It pays to explore
the extent of these resources.
Indigenous
people are equal parties at any negotiating table.
Regional
and local
agreements
provide a foundation
for people to proceed
as equals
and help to end uncertainties
about land use,
planning
and other regional issues.
Leadership
is found at different levels.
Some people lead by example.
Others take initiative,
explain,
innovate
or inspire.
Leadership
can come from
elected representatives
or ordinary citizens.
Partnerships
promote understanding
and progress towards
common goals.
Access
to services
is the right
of all Australian citizens.
Often,
appropriate services exist
but,
for one reason or another,
are not accessed.
Joint
ventures
yield worthwhile results.
Indigenous people
do have business aspirations
and business acumen.
Respect
for one culture
results in respect
for others.
Jobs
must
be real jobs
- not token
or without a future.
Symbolic
gestures,
such as flying the flags,
are very important,
particularly in demonstrating
a commitment
to future action.
Friendship
helps overcome many obstacles.
The inspiration
and power
of one,
when it is timely and appropriate,
readily becomes
the force of many.
Reconciliation
is an issue for all age groups
and all sectors of society.
The
facts of history
must
be acknowledged.
The stories must be told.
Apologies should be offered,
and forgiveness sought,
so that the healing process
can begin.
Successful
co-existence
leads to
improved community relations.
Co-existence
means living in harmony
and sharing
all the country's resources.
It depends on
respect for people,
cultures
and laws.
The following
are some practical considerations
for starting a reconciliation activity.
Once
you have an idea,
find out who else may be interested
and talk through your idea
with them.
Talk
to
the coordinator for
Australians for Reconciliation
in your State of Territory.
Don't
do things
for indigenous people
- do them with them.
Partnerships
are the way to go.
Involve
people,
including local indigenous organisations
and community members.
The more people
who have a sense of ownership
of the reconciliation process,
the more likely
that your efforts
will be enduring.
Contact
community development officers
at your local government council.
They probably have ideas
or resources
to help you.
They should be able to advise you
on sources of funding
that may tapped for
future development of your idea.
Seek
to find
common ground
between communities,
government authorities
and other interests.
Point out to them
how much better things would be
if the reconciliation project
succeeded.
Keep
in touch
with everyone
to make sure
they know what is happening.
Think
carefully
about the tangible outcome
you are after.
Is it a one-off,
or can it be sustained
in the long term?
If your project is a symbolic gesture,
what can you do
to ensure ongoing partnerships
and progress?
Research
your local history.
What lessons does it have
for your project?
When
your project yields results,
make sure they are publicised
- in the media
and to other organisations
which may like to follow
the example.
The stumbling blocks
you may encounter
are often common to
reconciliation projects in other areas.
It is worth talking
to people who are doing
similar things.
*text from the Council
for Aboriginal Reconciliation. |
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