NAIDOC Week 2020
In recognition of NAIDOC Week 2020 Auspire – Australia Day Council WA presented Aboriginal Cultural Awareness and Understanding workshops in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA (CCIWA) and supported by the National Indigenous Australians Agency. The sessions were delivered at CCIWA for CCIWA Members and the WA business community.
Aboriginal Cultural Awareness is about having some knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal Peoples’ histories, values, belief systems, experiences and lifestyles. The workshop explored the impacts of colonisation and how these still play out today with our First Nations’ Peoples and mainstream Australia.
The sessions catered to over 100 participants over the course of the day, where they learned about the impact colonisation has had on aboriginal people and the ongoing affects of intergenerational trauma on the aboriginal community. The sessions are facilitated by Danny Ford, a Noongar man and senior traditional custodian of Whadjuk Country, with connections to the wider Noongar Country and Aboriginal communities across Western Australia.
CCIWA’s Manager of Member Experience, Ryan Fernie, provided an address at the workshops and shared the importance of aboriginal culture and history education for CCIWA members and the potential for this kind of training to have a positive impact in creating a more inclusive and robust workforce.
“Basic aboriginal cultural awareness and understanding can facilitate real and lasting change through changed attitudes and behaviors at both a professional and personal level.” He said.
Participants from both sessions were highly engaged, provided great feedback:
“This was heavy content that was necessary to learn and in my opinion, this course could be used as a template for all Australian schools.”
“I thought it was a great session. I could listen to Danny talk about this subject material all day!”
“Great session. More should be held to ensure accessibility to wider community”
“The ‘Journey of Wellbeing’ model is very powerful.”
Auspire Community Development Officer Jacqui Swingler reflected on the role Auspire plays in delivering these training sessions. “We are keen to keep providing the opportunity for as many people as possible to learn about our First Peoples and their stories. It’s an important part of the Auspire strategy to bring about social and cultural change to drive belonging and inclusion for all Australians.”
Auspire thanks Venue Partner CCIWA and Grant Provider National Indigenous Australians Agency for helping us to deliver these important workshops aimed at bridging the gap for Indigenous Australians.
Auspire hosts several public online and in-person Aboriginal Culture and Awareness workshops throughout the year. Please check our website for upcoming sessions. Or, if you would like to obtain a quote for your business, contact [email protected]