For millennia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have had governance systems in place. Unique ways of self-governing, driven by culture and community priorities.
The Reconciliation Australia Indigenous Governance Program (IGP) is expanding the impact and reach of these tried and tested ways of working by bringing together Indigenous Governance Awards finalists and deeply engaged RAP organisations through its partnership program.
The pilot stage has matched Indigenous Governance Awards 2022 finalist Naru Goori Groms, a wellbeing focused ocean awareness and learn-to-surf program that builds community resilience and cultural connection developed by Naru Aboriginal Corporation, with Elevate RAP partner National Rugby League (NRL) to positive results.
Out of the boardroom and on to Country
The partnership, facilitated by Reconciliation Australia with support from the Partnership Brokers Association, officially kicked off with Naru Goori Groms, hosting the NRL in Coffs Harbour for two days of cultural activities and planning.
The Welcome to Country by the Giingana Gumbaynggirr Freedom School set the tone for the two days, with their use of language deepening the impact on NRL attendees.
Over the two days, the organisations delved into their motivations, shared and individual objectives, and potential partnership challenges. With this intentional approach and formalised process Naru Goori Groms and the NRL were able to openly discuss their differences, contributions, reservations and importantly, their non-negotiables.
At the end of this gathering, the relationship between the two organisations had strengthened. They understood one another’s goals and expectations and how they can work together to deepen the impact of Naru’s work while extending NRL’s understanding of the effectiveness of First Nations initiatives when they are truly self-determining.
Relationships for reconciliation
Valuing and implementing Indigenous governance practices recognises and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as decision makers for their own futures.
Partnerships that set out to do this take dedication and mutual respect to build and maintain, but when they succeed, they can generate significant positive learning and behavioural shifts.
From Naru Goori Groms’ perspective, their partnership with the NRL is an opportunity for them to share and actively model the value of embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice in all decision-making processes.
For the NRL, it’s about seeing small Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations grow and offering increased capacity for them to do so while deepening their own understanding of Indigenous Governance practices.
The IGP team continues to work with Stretch and Elevate RAP partners and past IGA finalists to grow this initial stage of the Partnership program. Broader offerings are planned for the future.
For now, learn more about the Naru Goori Groms story and read up on the work the NRL are doing to create transformational change as an Elevate RAP Partner.
To follow the work of the Indigenous Governance Program, visit reconciliation.org.au/our-work/indigenous-governance
This article is from Reconciliation News #52. Read the rest of the issue.
