Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples​

Acknowledgement of Country
We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we stand. We extend this acknowledgement to all First Nations Peoples and recognise the importance of their connection to place and community on these lands and pay our respects to Elders, past, and present.


History
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have been the custodians of these lands for thousands of generations. They govern, care and maintain country through their own systems and protocols; conducting business and custodianship with direction from Elders and knowledge holders and keepers. Through these practices Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the longest-living and continuous culture in the world.


Background and context
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have experienced prolonged exclusion from Australian history and for many years, Australian democracy. The recent history of dispossession and colonisation lies at the crux of inequality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Australians today.

Volunteering Australia strongly recommends learning and understanding these histories and experience, and promoting the important knowledge and cultural practices, of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

For volunteer involving organisations, educating your staff and volunteers on these histories, experiences and practices will not only build the cultural knowledge of your organisation but help to create culturally safe and inclusive environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This is a key foundation in developing relationships and forming genuine connections as well as the bonus of learning about the oldest living culture in the world.

If you are interested in learning more about the rich histories and cultural practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, please follow the links below:


AIATSIS:

https://aiatsis.gov.au/

Reconciliation Australia:

https://www.reconciliation.org.au/reconciliation/what-is-reconciliation/