Aboriginal lives matter: How to be a corporate ally

​As Reconciliation Week comes to an end, now is the time for corporate businesses and government departments to lead the way. You have the capacity to use your influence to bring change for a better Australia, by role modelling, by joining the conversation, and by addressing racism wherever it raises its head. Now is the time to walk the talk, not just talk the talk. Bring your commitments to life through inclusive action.

Now is not the time to be silent. We’re all in this together is not just a slogan – it’s a truth. We all live in the same Australia, and in the same world. When brutality is perpetrated on one group of people, and we say nothing, we are complicit – so please, decide what kind of world you want to live in and leave for your children, and take action to create that world.

You can use your position of influence to lead change, join the movement and advocate side by side with First Nations people.

Here’s a few concrete steps you can take:

• Support Indigenous businesses. For every dollar you spend with an Indigenous business, $4.41 of social value is created, contributing toward economic self-determination and prosperity in Indigenous communities. Give those businesses a boost by sharing a post about them on social media.
• Learn about the issues around incarceration through an Indigenous lens. Watch the film In My Blood It Runs, and organise a screening for your team.
• Make a donation to an Indigenous-led organisation working for change in the community. Check out organisations like NASCA, which are Indigenous-led and act to create change in the community. 
• Keep following your Reconciliation Action Plan, and ensure it is up to date. Your RAP should not be the focus of your business for one week a year, but should be integrated into everyday work practices. If you do not have a Reconciliation Action Plan, you can talk to us at IPS about how to get started.
• Consider having your actions peer-reviewed. This is a requirement if your organisation has an Elevate RAP, and still a positive and transparent step forward if it does not. You can build Corporate capacity by engaging an Indigenous business owner, and include them at your highest management level for specialist advice. It is an opportunity  for two-way skills and knowledge transfer
• Get to know your local traditional owner group and consider how you can advocate with them, at multiple levels. Join the movement and lead with inclusion and respect.