Aunty Munya Andrews’ Post

A helpful summary when referring to First Nations peoples and cultures. Go to the source and respect individual preferences.

💁🏾♀️What is considered respectful when referring to Indigenous peoples? It's important to remember that terms like Australia and Aboriginal are colonial, not Indigenous. 🗣️In other words, they are names that have been given by colonisers and not the names that First Nations people have traditionally used to refer to themselves. ❤️Generally, Indigenous people prefer to use their own names, like Bardi, Gadigal or Bundjalung, and to speak their own language but it is accepted that Australia is now an English-speaking country and so, if colonial terms must be used, most prefer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Indigenous Australians, First Peoples, First Nations or First Australians. 📍Note the use of capital letters and remember, not all Indigenous people feel the same way or have the same preferences. 👂🏾Listen to the language used by the people you are with and, if you are ever unsure, just ask! #AskAunty #CulturalProtocols #CulturalAwareness #DiversityEquityInclusion #PracticalReconciliation

🤷♀️What is considered respectful when referring to Indigenous peoples? It's important to remember that terms like Australia and Aboriginal are colonial, not Indigenous. 🗣️In other words, they are names that have been given by colonisers and not the names that First Nations people have traditionally used to refer to themselves. ❤️ Generally, Indigenous people prefer to use their own names, like Bardi, Gadigal or Bundjalung, and to speak their own language but it is accepted that Australia is now an English-speaking country and so, if colonial terms must be used, most prefer Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Indigenous Australians, First Peoples, First Nations or First Australians. 📍Note the use of capital letters and remember, not all Indigenous people feel the same way or have the same preferences. 👂🏾Listen to the language used by the people you are with and, if you are ever unsure, just ask! #AskAunty #CulturalProtocols #CulturalAwareness #DiversityEquityInclusion #PracticalReconciliation

A helpful perspective when considering how to be respectful to Indigenous peoples of Australia and the Torres Strait Islands.

What are cultural protocols? When engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities it's important to understand some cultural protocols. Not following correct protocols can cause confusion, misunderstanding and conflict. In our Cultural Awareness Training, and our book, Practical Reconciliation, we cover: 👣 How to refer to Indigenous peoples 👣 Ways to show respect 👣 Ways that are considered disrespectful 👣 Using images, voices and Indigenous artwork 👣 Acknowledging Country and Welcome to Country 👣 Working with Elders and Traditional Owners 👣 Gifts and Payments 👣 Smoking Ceremonies This may sound daunting, but the most important thing to remember is that cultural protocols are all about showing respect. If you are ever unsure, ASKING is a wonderful way to show your respect and demonstrate your willingness to learn. Have you ever wondered about any of the above protocols? #culturalawarenesstraining #respect #practicalreconciliation

The word "Indigenous" leads to so much confusion, sometimes even for members of the three distinct groups that Canada has chosen to lump together. Let's talk about it! https://lnkd.in/gqjGE6WU #Anishinaabe #ojibwe #ojibwe #indigenousreconciliation #indigenousCanada #indigenouspeopleofCanada #indigenoustruthandreconciliation #Canadianreconciliation #indigenouscultureCanada #Indigenousculture #indigenousworldviews #indigenousworldviewvswesternworldview #Reconciliation #recruitment #retention #HR #healing #history #CanadianHistory #allyship #Canadian #Anishinaabe #IndigenousPeoples #Indigenousrecruitment #Indigenousretention #Indigenousengagement #unpacking #decolonizing #decolonization #assimilation #icreatesafespace #indigenousCanada #change #growth #Indigenoussuccess #Indigenousempowerment #recruitment #retention #allyship #ReconcilliationWorksCanada #Indigenous #Canada

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People on August 9 pays tribute to the indigenous communities of the world. The latest data reveals that there are about 370 to 500 million indigenous people living in 90 countries. These communities are noted to have their own unique set of languages, traditions, cultures, and governing systems. For many indigenous groups, the systems that their ancestors have followed for centuries have stood the test of time by serving them with positive outcomes to date. Many indigenous people’s special bond and connection with nature have also led to the protection of the general environment. However, on the other side, several indigenous communities face difficulties due to a central government’s covert and overt attempts to control their lives. This has led to indigenous people’s rights violations where they would have otherwise ensured peaceful and harmonious lives for them. #InternationalDayOfTheWorldsIndigenousPeoples #IndigenousPeoplesDay

Integral to collectively achieving practical outcomes as part of any Reconciliation Action Plan is a genuine understanding of Cultural protocols. Although as Aunty Munya Andrews suggests, I do feel daunted when I realize that despite my sincere desire to engage and contribute to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities, I lack knowledge of Cultural protocols. However, as a self-described well-grounded and sensible humanitarian, I believe embarking on any Human endeavor simply needs to begin with respect. What is considered disrespectful? How do we show respect? How do we engage working with Elders and Traditional Owners? Cultural awareness is of paramount importance now and there are excellent resources available. Practical Reconciliation: Strengthening Relationships for all Australians in Seven Steps authored by Aboriginal Elder and Educator Aunty Munya Andrews and Learning Designer and Ally Carla Rogers Also Evolve Communities

For all Aboriginal Cultures in Australia, the currency is #Respect #Respect must be earned. A measure of Respect is Time. How much Time/ Respect does your workplace show to Aboriginal peoples, lands, and cultures? When do you decide to engage with your Aboriginal stakeholders? At the end of your process or at the beginning? Respect must be earned. Mainstream Western hierarchy of money, power, and/ position does not apply in Aboriginal cultures.

🌱Why is Country important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people? 🌊To begin to understand the importance of Country to First Nation people, we have to grasp that the term means so much more than land, earth, sea, or sky – Country isn’t close to the nouns we use in English. 🌏Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures live in harmony with the world around them, placing great value on Country not just as land but as the foundation of Indigenous people, past, present, and future. 🫱🏾🫲🏻When we begin to form a better understanding of Country and the complexity of this term for First Nations people, we take crucial steps towards Reconciliation and fostering understanding and unity. #ReconciliationAustralia #PracticalReconciliation #AllyTraining #actionsforallies #culturalawareness