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Cultural awareness in architectural practice is relevant to all scales of practice. By undertaking cultural awareness training, individuals and practices can learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, examples of Indigenous place-making strategies, legislation related to Indigenous place-making and gain an understanding of cultural protocols. Protocols for recognising Traditional Owners can be developed and implemented at a practice level for relevant architecture events and public forums.
Cultural awareness in architectural practice
The following strategies can be implemented in sole, small, medium and large practice:
- Engage directors and staff in cultural awareness training.
- Encourage your practice to participate in National Reconciliation Week activities. Visit Reconciliation Australia for more information.
- Encourage your practice to undertake their own RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan). Visit Victorian Chapter RAP for more information.
- Encourage an understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture in daily practice:
- During the planning and development of a property, consider the place or land on which buildings / projects are located. Most parts of Australia contain important places that are of significance to Aboriginal people. This can include different types of significance, such as traditional, contemporary and political. Most local councils have resources available on their website about significant Aboriginal places.
- Add an Acknowledgment of Country on your individual or practice email signature, ie - I acknowledge and pay respect to the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, their culture and Elders past, present and future.
- Increase employment opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. Visit Closing the Gap for more information.
- Consider including a statement in recruitment advertisements encouraging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.
- Provide mentorship opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
The Centre for Cultural Competence Australia (CCCA) provides nationally accredited courses. Visit CCCA for more information.
Check for organisations that may offer this service in your local state or territory. For example, in Victoria, Indigenous Architecture and Design Victoria (IADV) runs cultural awareness training specifically aimed at the architecture profession.
Ten strategies for effective cross-cultural communication:
- Ask questions
- Distinguish perspectives
- Build self-awareness
- Recognise the complexity
- Avoid stereotyping
- Respect differences
- Listen actively
- Be honest
- Be flexible
- Think twice
Architecture events and public forums: protocols for recognising Traditional Owners
Practices can develop and implement protocols for providing an Acknowledgement of Country as applicable to events and public forums. Each state and territory may have its own protocols. The following material has been sourced and adapted from the State Government of Victoria: Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners.
What is an Acknowledgement of Country?
An Acknowledgement of Country recognises a strong and proud Aboriginal history and complex ownership and land stewardship systems stretching back many thousands of years. It pays respect to the Traditional Owners.
When is an Acknowledgement of Country appropriate?
An Acknowledgement of Country should be given at formal events, forums and functions such as conferences, board meetings and official openings.
Who should give the Acknowledgement of Country?
The first speaker at an event or function (following the welcome or in the absence of a welcome) should give the Acknowledgment of Country. Subsequent speakers may also give an acknowledgement.
Further reading
- Australians Together, ‘Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country’
- Reconciliation Australia, ‘Welcome to and Acknowledgement of Country’
The Victorian Chapter Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) working group kindly contributed to the content of this note.
Related courses - Available via Online CPD
Disclaimer
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