Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Workshop

Foundational Training for Staff and Teams

Wariga Molla develops and delivers training to assist organisations and staff in building knowledge of Aboriginal society
and sustaining respectful, collaborative relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We have extensive
knowledge and experience facilitating information about First Nations people to a range of industry sectors and their
staff, through training, mentoring and coaching, to build cultural knowledge and understanding of the local Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander community.

This introductory Aboriginal Cultural Awareness workshop provides a safe space for conversations to unfold, helping
participants identify strengths and ideas to establish practical ways of building rapport with Aboriginal people, and
providing insight into possible barriers that may impact on building and sustaining collaborative networks.

Workshop themes include:

The workshop provides an introduction to key aspects of Aboriginal culture, history and community, including:

Aboriginal society prior to the impact of colonisation/invasion – pre and post contact
Understanding the importance of language and effective communication, and possible barriers
The difference between a Welcome to and an Acknowledgement of Country
The role of Traditional Owner Organisation/s
Principles of Cultural Respect
Cultural obligations – Elders, Kinship system, Sorry Business, men's and women's business
The impact of colonisation – past government policy and programs
How to build rapport and maintain trust
The role of local Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs)
Building blocks to identity
Cultural beliefs and values
Closing the Gap, Self-Determination and Treaty

Key Outcomes

On completing this workshop, participants will be able to:

◆ Identify factors that affect Aboriginal people in the Gippsland region

◆ Identify ways to effectively engage with members of the Aboriginal community

◆ Articulate initiatives to support improved collaboration

◆ Draw conclusions of how history still impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

◆ Recognise opportunities to improve networks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Gippsland

◆ Increase awareness of the role of self-determination

A Safe Space for Meaningful Conversations

Cultural awareness is not about having all the answers.

It is about creating the willingness to listen, learn and understand.

This workshop provides participants with a safe environment to explore questions, challenge assumptions and develop a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and experiences.

Participants will also have the opportunity to identify practical ways their organisation can strengthen relationships and create more culturally respectful approaches to working with Aboriginal communities.

Who Is This Workshop For?

This workshop can support organisations and teams looking to strengthen their cultural awareness and develop more respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

It may be particularly valuable for organisations working directly with Aboriginal people, community services, education, health, government, employment, social services and other sectors across the Gippsland region.

Move From Awareness to Understanding

Developing cultural awareness is an important first step.

Building respectful relationships requires ongoing learning, listening and action.

This workshop gives your team the knowledge and practical insights to begin that journey with greater understanding, confidence and respect.