How We Work
First Nations Peoples know what we need
Numerous program evaluations and reviews show us that programs seeking to improve outcomes for First Nations Peoples don't work unless they are actively involved in decision making. Research such as the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development shows us that there are significantly better results if Indigenous people are involved every step of the way: that is in the thinking, developing, delivery and review stages of policy development and program design.
Further, the importance of self determination and involvement in decision making is recognised by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The bottom line is that the involvement of First Nation Peoples in decision making is most likely to lead to real change.
Our Approach
Our way of working is directly driven by our guiding principles and reflects decades of experience across our group.
Our approach is evidence based and grounded in learning organisation, capacity building, and trauma theory and decolonised practice. Our emphasis is on the development of evidence based policy informed by an understanding of what works on the ground.
- We are expert at designing and ensuring genuine consultation, that is culturally appropriate
- We don't do 'tick and flick' exercises. We create culturally safe spaces which enable people to say what they think. This is especially important when consulting with First Nations people - cultural safety and cultural competency are a deal breaker.
- We partner with our clients in a trauma informed and healing aware way to contribute to their strengthened capacity and to drive community wellbeing and social change.
Our deep understanding of the lived experience of First Nations people, combined with our experience in government policy development and program design, means our consultation and advising services are comprehensive and wholistic.
We work expertly across both worlds and are a bridge between them.