A CULTURAL AWARENESS GUIDE ENGAGING ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES IN THE CITY OF LOGAN LOGAN CITY COUNCIL GUIDELINE

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1 LOGAN CITY COUNCIL GUIDELINE Logan City Council s Vision for reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is grounded in respect and strong relationships. ENGAGING ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES IN THE CITY OF LOGAN A CULTURAL AWARENESS GUIDE We recognise the past and are working together to be one community. BUILDING OUR COMMUNITIES, BUSINESSES AND PRIDE

2 Table of contents Supporting Reconciliation... 3 Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities... 4 Setting the Scene for Recognition and Respect... 6 Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples... 7 Welcome to Country... 9 Acknowledgement of Country Terminology Significant calendar events Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags Key contacts and further information...back cover Local Artwork Acknowledgements Artist Name: Kalkadoon artist Colleen Sam (Ngungernnumma) Artwork Name: Logan City: All cultures coming together Colleen Sam is a local artist who has lived in Logan for 25 years. Colleen was born in Mount Isa in Kalkadoon Country, where her mother s people are from, and her father s people are from Warrumunga Country in Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory. Colleen s style is traditional Aboriginal art which shares stories of dreamtime and Aboriginal people. This artwork is the artist s depiction of the coming together of all cultures who now live in the City of Logan. The coloured footprints represent people from many cultures coming together and meeting in Logan. The central, colourful circle represents the people in Logan, while the nine surrounding circles represent the many different homelands of those people. The Logan River, as well as clouds, rainbows and rain are represented. The artist pays respect to the Traditional Ancestors of Logan through the depiction of spirirt women, men and children. 2 ENGAGING ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES IN THE CITY OF LOGAN

3 Supporting Reconciliation Logan City Council has a Reconciliation Action Plan. This is a whole-of-council commitment which outlines how our organisation will work within its sphere of influence to build stronger relationships and trust between Logan City Council and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increase community pride, decrease prejudice and support an equitable workforce. Our Vision for Reconciliation Logan City Council s vision for reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is grounded in respect and strong relationships. We recognise the past and are working together to be one community A CULTURAL AWARENESS GUIDE 3

4 Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities Logan City Council celebrates a wealth of talent, success and creativity in Logan s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community which includes professionals, educators, artists, musicians, trades people, health workers, business owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders and many other passionate, dedicated and successful people. Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities include Traditional Custodians, who represent the original Aboriginal inhabitants of the area, as well as a diversity of Elders and people who live and work in the City. There are at least 250 known Indigenous languages across Australia, with approximately 145 languages still spoken. Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, 2005 There are two types of Elders Community Elders and Elders who are Traditional Custodians. Community Elders (Historical Elders) Logan s Community Elders (also known as Historical Elders ) are people who live and/or work in the City of Logan and undertake an important role in the civic and social life of our community. Logan s Community Elders do not identify as Traditional Custodians of the Logan area, as their ancestral lands (if known) are elsewhere in Australia. Examples of Community Elder responsibilities and matters, relevant to Logan City Council, include: providing advice about issues affecting the community working to improve social outcomes (e.g. health, education, employment) leading and participating in community events education and advocacy providing an Acknowledgement of Country when it is not possible for a Traditional Custodian to provide a Welcome to Country. 4 ENGAGING ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES IN THE CITY OF LOGAN

5 Traditional Custodians (Traditional Owners) Traditional Custodians (also known as Traditional Owners) are the descendants of the original Aboriginal inhabitants of the area and have ongoing spiritual and cultural ties to the land and waterways where their ancestors lived. The City of Logan is at the intersection of several groups who each claim Traditional Custodianship of lands within the Logan area, including: Turrbal (pronounced: Tur-ra-bul) peoples Yagara (pronounced: Yag-gar-rah) language speaking peoples Yugambeh (pronounced: You-gam-bear) language speaking peoples, including Mununjali and Wanjeburra peoples Yugara / YUgarapul (pronounced: Yug-gar-rah / You-gar-ra-pool) peoples. Logan City Council respectfully acknowledges all Traditional Custodian claimant groups. It is acknowledged that the areas claimed by each of these groups may significantly overlap, and should be noted that Logan City Council is not in a position to pass judgement on the legitimacy of any one claim or group over another. This may change if Native Title is determined in the future. Examples of Traditional Custodian responsibilities and matters, relevant to Logan City Council, include: Welcome to Country services cultural heritage and matters relating to land and place culture and language revival, preservation and education. Advisory structures and network groups There are a number of existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander networks and Council advisory structures in place which include a broad range of community representation. Each group has its own structure and purpose, and meet on a regular basis. Existing groups include: Logan Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Network Group Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnership Group Nyeumba Meta Advisory Group A CULTURAL AWARENESS GUIDE 5

6 Setting the Scene for Recognition and Respect At the same time as celebrating a diverse and prosperous community, Logan City Council acknowledges that Australia s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience ongoing challenges associated with the loss of lands, identity, language and culture. Evidence of these challenges are reflected in a disparity of life expectancy, education, housing and employment outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other Australians both nationally and locally. Logan City Council acknowledges that part of the journey of reconciliation involves recognising that past practices and historical government policies have contributed to this ongoing disparity. It has also resulted in many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people having limited trust or confidence in government engagement processes. Logan City Council employees are encouraged to develop their understanding about Australia s and Queensland s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history since European arrival. This can be achieved through viewing existing written resources, conversations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and participation in Council s Reconciliation Action Plan. Further reading: Engaging Queenslanders: introduction to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: Reconciliation Australia Resources: resource/ 6 ENGAGING ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES IN THE CITY OF LOGAN

7 Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Community engagement is a planned process with the specific purpose of working across organisations, stakeholders and communities to shape the decisions or actions of the members of the community, stakeholders or organisation in relation to a problem, opportunity or outcome 1. Effective and appropriate engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples builds trust, reciprocal relationships and partnerships, and is also an important step for Logan City Council in the reconciliation process. Your responsibility as a Council employee In accordance with Logan City Council s Community Engagement Management Directive, Council staff must consult with Council s Marketing branch when in the initial planning stages of any project which will impact on the community. The Community Engagement team works across the organisation to plan the best approach to seeking community involvement on issues that affect them. Depending on the project, this may involve targeted engagement activities to seek input from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Council staff also have responsibilities under the state government Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act (2003). Aboriginal cultural heritage is anything that is a significant Aboriginal area in Queensland; or a significant Aboriginal object; or evidence, of archaeological or historic significance, of Aboriginal occupation of an area of Queensland. Any issues relating to Native Title or Cultural Heritage must be referred to the Corporate Property program in the Administration Branch for investigation and advice. 1 IAP2 Australasia 2014 A CULTURAL AWARENESS GUIDE 7

8 Why engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples? There may be a range of different purposes for engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people including: informing about a project, problem, opportunity, actions or decisions understanding views of stakeholders and communities generating alternatives, new ideas, insights or solutions improving policies or strategies developing relationships building community capacity and capability generating support for action working towards changing behaviour creating community resilience meeting legal requirements (e.g the Aboriginal and Cultural Heritage Act 2003). When to start planning for engagement Advice and assistance to plan your engagement is best undertaken in the initial planning stages of your project work. Early engagement planning can save you time, money and resources in the longer term by identifying the most appropriate engagement opportunities, and designing your project plan to accommodate these. What might be involved? Depending on the community s and your project s needs, a range of different engagement methods may be recommended. This may include interviews, community meetings, workshops, conversation circles (Yarning) and/or written methods (online or paper based). Council s community engagement team will work with you to determine the most appropriate engagement approach for your project. 8 ENGAGING ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES IN THE CITY OF LOGAN

9 Ceremonies and protocols Ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Practices such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country enables the wider community to share in these cultures and leads to better community relationships and understanding. Incorporating Welcome to Country and/or Acknowledgement to Country into official meetings and events is important because it recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and custodians of their lands. It also promotes awareness of the past and ongoing connection to place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, and contributes to the process of reconciliation. Welcome to Country A Welcome to Country is a ceremony performed by the Traditional Custodians of the land at the commencement of a meeting, event or occasion. It can take many forms and may include an opening speech, traditional dance, song, music, educational information, and/or smoking ceremony. It is recommended that a Welcome to Country be considered for significant or large community, government or public events, conferences, or gatherings particularly where official guests and dignitaries are in attendance, and especially when the event involves Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. How do I arrange for a Welcome to Country? If you think that you need to organise a Welcome to Country, and have not organised one before, please contact one of Council s nominated officers identified on the back cover page of this guide. A CULTURAL AWARENESS GUIDE 9

10 Acknowledgement of Country An Acknowledgement of Country is a way for people to show awareness of, and respect for, the Traditional Custodians of the Country on which a meeting or event is being held. It also recognises the continuing relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their Country. It is recommended that an Acknowledgement of Country be made at the commencement of any public meeting, event or formal occasion. You may also wish to consider making an Acknowledgement to Country at the beginning of internal meetings. An Acknowledgment of Country can be undertaken by any non-indigenous person as well as by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people who are not Traditional Custodians of the Country you are meeting on. In preparing an Acknowledgement to Country, it is important to note that it is both a personal and professional protocol, and should reflect a personal approach and come from a place of understanding and respect. There is no set wording for an Acknowledgement to Country, however examples are provided for your consideration in preparing for an Acknowledgement. You will note that an Acknowledgement will often: acknowledge the Traditional Custodians (or Owners) of the land pay respect to Elders past and present. Given the complexity surrounding Traditional Custodian groups in the City of Logan, it is recommended that Logan City Council staff take the approach of acknowledging the Traditional Custodians generally rather than naming specific groups. 10 ENGAGING ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES IN THE CITY OF LOGAN

11 Examples of wording for an Acknowledgement of Country Short versions: I would like to begin today s meeting by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are gathered, including Elders past and present. OR I would like to respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this event is taking place, including Elders past and present. Long versions: Firstly, I would like to show my respect and acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Logan City area. I would also like to pay respect to Elders past and present for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Australia s First Peoples. OR In keeping with Logan City Council s commitment to reconciliation and respect, I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we gather today. I pay respect to Elders past and present and to emerging community leaders, and also extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here today. OR I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land where we gather today and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging. I recognise their custodianship and role in caring for and maintaining Country over thousands of years. May their strength and wisdom be with us today. Following a Welcome to Country: Let me begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of this land and extending a warm and sincere thank you to them for welcoming us all to their Country today. Please note: After a Welcome to Country has concluded, the first following speaker or master of ceremony should respond with an Acknowledgement of Country. It is not necessary for each additional speaker to repeat this gesture, however they are welcome to show their respect with an Acknowledgment of Country if they wish. A CULTURAL AWARENESS GUIDE 11

12 Terminology This list of terms attempt to guide Council staff and seeks to objectively represent our understanding at the time of writing, however it should be implemented with sensitivity and is subject to change overtime, and it may be viewed differently by different people. Acceptable terminology Term Aboriginal person: Country: Elder (Aunty or Uncle): First Nations People / First Australians Torres Strait Islander person: Traditional Custodian / Traditional Owner Explanation Refers to Aboriginal people of Australia's mainland, and does not include Torres Strait Islander people. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people often use the word Country to describe their traditional lands. An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elder is someone who has gained recognition as a custodian of knowledge and lore, and who has permission to disclose cultural knowledge and beliefs. Eldership is about understanding and culture and not necessarily age. It is customary to refer to Elders as Aunty or Uncle, which is seen as a title of respect. While it is acceptable for a non-indigenous person to refer to Elders in this way, each person is different so it is best to check if an individual would like to be referred to in this way. Are collective terms for the original people of Australia and their descendants, and can be used to emphasise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lived on this continent prior to European arrival. The Torres Strait Islands is a group of Islands in the northern part of Queensland. People from the Torres Strait are of Melanesian origin and are distinct from the Aboriginal people of the rest of Australia. It is appropriate to replace the term 'Traditional Custodian' with 'Traditional Owner' if you wish. Both terms are acceptable, and use of 'Traditional Owner' is generally preferred by the community. 12 ENGAGING ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES IN THE CITY OF LOGAN

13 Inappropriate terminology Inappropriate terms aboriginal, torres strait islander (not capitalised) Aborigines The Aborigines The Torres Strait Islanders Blacks/Whites/ Coloured ATSI Indigenous Bands Hordes Nomads Clans or Tribes (to a lesser extent) More appropriate Aboriginal people/s Torres Strait Islander people/s Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people/s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities A&TSI (but only if it is not possible to write in full. It is not appropriate to speak the acronym ATSI ). Indigenous Australian people/peoples (capitalised) First Australians groups language groups peoples nations communities European settlement Caste or any reference to how Aboriginal someone is. European arrival n/a A CULTURAL AWARENESS GUIDE 13

14 Significant calendar events 26 January Australia Day / Day of Mourning* 13 February National Apology Day 21 March Harmony Day Mid-late March National Close the Gap Day 26 May National Sorry Day / National Day of Healing 27 May - 3 June National Reconciliation Week 3 June Mabo Day 1 July Coming of the Light Festival (Torres Strait Islander celebration) First week of July NAIDOC Week 4 August National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children s Day 9 August International Day of the World s Indigenous People *Australia Day is seen by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as a day of mourning, as it does not represent a time of happy celebration. Many people see Australia Day as an opportunity to build awareness and have a conversation about what the day actually means to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the broader population. 14 ENGAGING ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES IN THE CITY OF LOGAN

15 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags The meanings of the three colours in the flag are: Black (top) represents the Aboriginal people of Australia Australian Aboriginal Flag: Yellow circle represents the Sun, the giver of life and protector The Aboriginal flag is an official flag of Australia and was recognised under Federal legislation in July It was designed by artist Harold Thomas and first flown at Victoria Square in Adelaide, South Australia, on National Aborigines Day, 12 July It has become a widely recognised symbol of the unity and identity of Aboriginal people. Red (bottom) represents the red earth, the red ochre used in ceremonies and Aboriginal peoples spiritual relation to the land Torres Strait Islander Flag: The Torres Strait Islander flag is an official flag of Australia and was recognised under Federal legislation in July It was designed by the late Bernard Namok as a symbol of unity and identity for Torres Strait Islanders. The meanings of the colours in the flag are: Green represents the land Black represents the Indigenous peoples Blue represents the sea White represents peace The white Dhari (traditional headdress) represents Torres Strait Islander people and the five-pointed star represents the five island groups within the Torres Strait. The star is also a symbol for seafaring people as it is used in navigation. A CULTURAL AWARENESS GUIDE 15

16 Key contacts and further information Council staff should contact the Community Engagement Program within Logan City Council s Marketing Branch in the planning stage of a Council project or initiative, particularly if it is likely to involve or impact Logan s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. People in the following roles within Logan City Council may also be able to provide advice to Council staff in the context of their own roles. Branch Marketing Community Services Libraries and Cultural Services Administration Position Community Engagement Advisor Community Engagement Program Leader Community Development Officer Community Development and Programming Coordinator Outreach Librarian Library Programming Coordinator Corporate Property Program Leader (for Native Title and Cultural Heritage matters) Further information about engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the City of Logan is provided in the detailed Reference Manual (DM#: ) for interested Council staff and Elected Representatives. This document can be found on Council s intranet page. 150 Wembley Road, Logan Central QLD 4114 PO Box 3226, Logan City DC QLD 4114 Ph: LOGAN* or council@logan.qld.gov.au web: * Council s 1300 number is only for use by customers within Logan City from a landline. When contacting Council from a mobile phone or from outside Logan City please phone