Reconciliation
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
In the spirit of reconciliation, the ARA recognises the critical role that First Nations peoples continue to play as Australia’s first traders, with a sophisticated network for trading paths that have enabled the exchange of goods, knowledge and culture over land and sea for millennia.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land that we live, learn and work on, recognise their connections to country, and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan
The ARA’s first Reconciliation Action Plan was endorsed by Reconciliation Australia in July 2022 and will run for 18 months until December 2023.
The purpose of our plan is to outline the initiatives that we will implement to help build internal capability and start working towards our vision for reconciliation. We will initially focus on those things we can control ourselves but use our influence to increase awareness and action about reconciliation.
The ARA strongly supports for the Uluru Statement from the Heart and a referendum to establish a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Constitution.
Member Offers
Supporting the re-emergence of First Nations Traders
Part of our vision for reconciliation is that First Nations retailers will have equal opportunity to grow their businesses, to support and empower the re-emergence of First Nations traders. To help deliver on this vision, the ARA is offering 12 months free premium membership to Indigenous-owned retail businesses.
Incorporating a strong First Nations voice into the ARA
The ARA is inviting expressions of interest from current and new members to join the ARA’s Advisory Committee for First Nations Retailers, alongside 18 other committees that provide expert advice and guidance to the ARA. The committee will also provide networking and peer learning opportunities for First Nations retailers.
Member Resources
Webinar: Empowering Indigenous Business
Join Laura Berry (former CEO Supply Nation) in conversation with Paul Zahra (CEO ARA) talking about the rise of Indigenous-owned businesses, the positive role that these businesses play in First Nations’ communities across the country and the opportunity for retailers to improve supplier diversity. Click here.
Report: Closing the First Nations Employment Gap
Minderoo Foundation’s Indigenous Employment Index distils insights from 42 leading Australian employers about the current state of play on employment and career pathways for First Nations employees, and outlines evidence-based solutions to drive Indigenous employment parity. More here.
Toolkit: Raising awareness about reconciliation
Reconciliation Australia’s Share Our Pride toolkit provides helpful information about Australia’s First Nations peoples, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and our shared history post-1788. The toolkit also breaks down myths and stereotypes and provides information about how to establish respectful relationships. More here.
Developing a Reconciliation Action Plan
Working in collaboration with Reconciliation Australia, the ARA will host a series of webinars providing information to members about how to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan. We’ll also be establishing peer learning opportunities for like-minded retailers on their reconciliation own journeys. Register your interest here.
Member Support
Two Point Co. is a 100% Indigenous-owned consultancy, founded by Jason Timor and Tiffanie Ireland, two well respected Indigenous engagement professionals with a genuine track record in practical approaches to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander economic inclusivity.
At Two Point Co. we recognise that economic participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples provides a real path to Reconciliation and we specialise in uncovering shared value opportunities for Indigenous communities, corporate organisations and government agencies.
We offer a range of services that help to define and communicate how policies and programs make a tangible difference in Indigenous communities.
Most importantly we capture a genuine Indigenous voice to inform policy and program design.
For more information about how Two Point Co. could help your business on your reconciliation journey, go to twopointco.com.au
PwC Indigenous Consulting (PIC) is an Indigenous consulting business which maintains a majority owned, led and staffed Indigenous operation. The Indigenous co-owners, have a 51% share in PIC and PwC Australia owns the remaining 49%. We are a separate member firm in the PwC global network.
The unique power of our business is the combination of our Indigenous expertise and experience, with PwC’s world-leading professional services capability.
Our aim is to help enable positive change by providing trusted professional services and advice to government, corporate and community clients on Indigenous matters. PIC has experience in delivering Reconciliation Action Plans for a diverse range of organisations including large and small businesses, as well as working with our clients to support them as they turn their RAP commitments into action.
Contact Kate Healy or Amber Roberts, or go to pwc.com.au/indigenous-consulting for more information about PIC’s service offering.
Member Commitments to Reconciliation
