Every group has its own ways of working and social expectations.
Schools can improve their relationships with local communities by learning and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols. Building relationships may take time, and some give and take.
- Building relationships with local communities
- Inside and outside knowledge
- Ethical research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander guest speakers
Recognising Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples as traditional custodians of the land is an important part of showing respect for the First Peoples of Australia.
Country or Place, which refer to the traditional lands of the First Australians, are fundamental to the wellbeing of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Country or Place means more than just rock, soil and minerals: there is a strong connection to traditional lands due to spiritual beliefs about how the land was created and the presence of many ancestors in the landscape, the sky, the waterways and the sea.
Practices such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Country enable the wider community to share in Aboriginal culture and Torres Strait Islander culture, and lead to better community relationships and understanding.
QCAA respectfully advises Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples that these webpages may contain names, images or voices of people who are deceased. We acknowledge that in some communities it is distressing and offensive to mention names and show images of people who have died.
Observing these practices connects participants with the land, and provides a welcoming atmosphere and spiritual presence to the place upon which people meet. It also reinforces the place of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within Queensland Government policies and procedures.
- Last updated:
- 25 July 2018
