​We celebrated NAIDOC Week 2021 in early July. The theme 'Heal Country' gave rise to some important conversations on the urgent need for significant and sustainable change. Our team talked about how going out on Country gave them perspective and connection, about how vital it is to look after the land, and to pave the way toward a harmonious relationship with natural resources and each other. Healing Country starts with internal healing, authentic inclusion and self-determination.

The recent NAIDOC Week theme was a powerful reminder of our role as collective custodians of the planet, wherever we live, to take action every day for a brighter future - and to do so in harmony with First Nations people.
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There is never a better time to take that action than now. Here’s five things you can do right now, as an ally:

1. Take some time to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in your community. Listen to local stories, and learn about the land.

2. Research the world’s oldest living society, and the petroglyphs that line the landscape, bringing to life stories and experiences of our First Nations people.

3. Support Aboriginal businesses – buying clothing or any other product from local, small and independent Aboriginal businesses and artists is an active and meaningful way to support people, communities and economic independence.

4. Educate yourself about the need for a First Nations voice in everything that affects First Nations people.  Read the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

5. Take steps to ensure your workplace is culturally safe, culturally competent, and has a diverse supplier base: consider cultural competence training, unconscious bias workshops, creating a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), and procuring from the Aboriginal business sector at all levels of your supply chain. You can reach out to our Indigenous Advisory team for more information around these trainings, workshops, or creating a Reconciliation Action Plan for your workplace.