Managers and Supervisors have a crucial role to play in providing a culturally safe and supportive work environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. The National Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment will work with you to ensure that you have suitable support mechanisms in place for new and existing staff members
All staff working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students are strongly encouraged to attend a Cultural Awareness Workshop. Workshops are conducted annually, however if you believe that your area would benefit from a tailored workshop, one can be provided for you. Contact the National Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment for more information.
Learn more about our Cultural Awareness Workshops
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives are a series of information sessions by subject matter experts (both internal and external to ACU), and these events include lunchbox session talks. To date they have covered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Spirituality, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Business Governance, Aboriginal Identity, National 'Close the Gap' Day and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recognition in the Constitution. The events increase knowledge and understanding around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, build a level of cultural understanding and create communication opportunities. Please visit the ACU training website to see upcoming workshops.
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff are invited to join the staff network and managers and supervisors are encouraged to support their staff’s attendance at these forums. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network meets quarterly via videoconferencing. To date, presenters have spoken to the network on mentoring, careers in chaotic times, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-focused research projects. They have also heard from the Vice-Chancellor and President regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recognition in the Constitution, and received updates from the National Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment.
It is the responsibility of managers and supervisors to ensure that all staff members feel comfortable and safe in their work environment. The following suggestions may help you to provide the best assistance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff:
The below links are provided as a starting point in answering frequently asked questions about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. However the National Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment is also available to respond to any queries you may have.
What is an Acknowledgement of Country?
What does Connection to Country mean?
What is Constitutional Recognition?
Why are there so many Aunts and Uncles in a family?
What language do Indigenous people speak?
Why do people want to live on Homelands?
Can you explain Sorry Business?
Why are there Stolen Generations?
Where are the Torres Strait Islands?
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