First Nations Advisory Working Group – Call for expression of interest

The Australian Institute of Architects will bring together a First Nations Advisory Working Group to scope, develop and recommend to National Council a range of actions that could be put in place to support and promote beneficial outcomes between First Nations peoples and the Institute while respecting First Nations peoples, their cultural characteristics, spiritual traditions and stories, as well as their unique connection to Land and Sea.

The first activity of the working group will be to develop formal Terms of Reference and outline the activities and outputs of the working group. The working group will develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). Other considerations might include: 

The working group might also:

  • Provide specific guidance on issues and barriers that affect the reconciliation process and undermine the inclusive involvement of First Nations peoples in Institute services, programs, activities and governance.
  • Identify specific strategies that could encourage increased involvement of First Nations peoples in Institute services, programs, activities and governance.
  • Identify current and emerging issues affecting First Nations peoples and key advocacy issues that the Institute could support on behalf of the First Nations community.
  • Identify actions that would support increased cultural awareness at all levels of the organisation, for example starting Institute events with an ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ and including, when relevant, a deceased person/s warning at the start of media content created by the Institute.
  • Consider opportunities for the Institute to contribute to the enhanced respect and understanding of cultural diversity within architectural work environments, for example developing guidance on building positive communication with First Nations peoples noting that certain forms of non-verbal communication may have different meanings than for other Australians.
  • Identify opportunities to recognise corporate leadership within the architectural profession and its related businesses for developing initiatives that contribute to positive impacts on the health, welfare, culture, education and socio-economic status of First Nations peoples.
  • Provide comment on any other issue or activity the working group identifies should be under consideration.

The recommendations from the working group will be captured in a report to National Council. Further activities will be considered in response to the report. This may include the creation of a permanent National First Nations Advisory Committee.

Positions available

There are five member positions to be filled.

A number of non-member First Nations people will be invited to become members of the working group. Non-members are also invited to  self- nominate through this process if they wish to do so. 

Eligibility

Member level 1.

Members do not need to identify as a First Nations person in order to participate in the working group.

Commitment

Communications will be predominately via email and teleconference. The tenure of all working group members will end at the completion of the project. It is expected that project will be completed within a twelve-month time frame.

Obligations

Working group members must fulfil their roles, tasks and responsibilities in an accountable, professional and expedient manner. Members must ensure that relationships with First Nations peoples are based on equality, respect, trust, honesty and openness.

Process

Expressions of interest must be submitted by Mon 28 October 2019 using the form below or emailing policy@architecture.com.au

Expression of interest

If you have any questions, please contact Clare Cousins at cc@clarecousins.com.au.

This form is now closed.