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 First Nations people 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 right to self determination and the importance of our involvement in decision making is recognised by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

We know that the involvement of First Nation Peoples in design and decision making is what 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 lived experience, combined with our experience in government policy development and program design, means our consultation and advising services are comprehensive and wholistic.