National Reconciliation Week 2022

Change begins not just in Reconciliation Week, but when we use our thoughts and actions daily to effect change. Running from the 27th of May to the 3rd of June, this year's  National Reconciliation Week of 2022 calls us to action.

We are answering the call.

Truth

We need to tell the truth on racism, we need to 'Call It Out', it hurts lives and livelihoods, and it damages communities. We need to say 'Racism: It Stops With Me'.

Our Commitment
Biotao has committed  to organisational understanding recommending First Nations staff register with 'Call It Out' if they experience racism from other staff, clients or the general public. We have also registered as a supporter of the Racism: It Stops With Me campaign.

Acknowledge Country

Where ever you are in Australia you are on the lands and waters of Australia’s First Peoples. Acknowledge Country in meetings and gatherings shows respect for first nations people and provides an ongoing reminder of the kinship we have with Country. Recording and including Traditional Place Names in communications respects First Nations People and also helps to keep top-of-mind the true story of the lands we live and operate on.

Our Commitment
Biotao has committed to Acknowledging Country in meetings, and in communication channels. We have created a postal and physical address policy to include Traditional Place Names in all communications with the public and clients.

Getting facts first hand

Mainstream media sources can be inaccurate, negative, and unbalanced in its portrayal of First Nations people and issues.

Our Commitment
Biotao commits to sourcing knowledge and understanding of First Nations people and issues either directly from those First Nations people or First Nations run media and academic sources.

Justice

First Nations peoples are the most incarcerated people in the world, proportionally.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to including organisational understanding of First Nations incarceration rates and to learn why this is so. We also commit with this understanding to take into consideration disproportionate incarceration factors when employing First Nations staff.

Owning our history

Australia's black history has been hidden from the public's eye. When talking about our history it is important to include First Nations perspectives.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to developing an organisational understanding of the true facts of our history and culture.  We commit when talking about the history and culture of Australia to always include the participation of First Nations people.

To learn about First Nations Koori history visit the The Koori History Website.

Reconciliation in learning

Australian education has a track record of suppressing the true black history of First Nations people or providing romanticised 'Noble Savage' tellings of uncivilised people. In reconciliation with First Nations People, it is important to tell the whole truth and support educational understanding.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to Learn our Truth in our education programs, products and services. We are also committed to encouraging staff to Take Action and learn our truth.

Learn local history

For a long time the history of massacres, forced removals, and cultural genocide has been hidden from public view. Learning the truth of these is an important step on the journey to reconciliation.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to developing an organisational understanding of First Nations local history and integrating it into our daily practice.

Support self-determination

Organisations and activities led by First Nations Organisations strengthen our community as a whole.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to supporting and promoting community-controlled and Indigenous governed organisations.

Be a brave ally

Allies help to amplify issues and help ensure action is taken.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to developing organisational on how to be a good ally and becoming an accomplice to First Nations people.

Cultural safety

Some workplaces and locations inherently exclude or intimidate First Nations people.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to developing organisational understanding of cultural safety and inclusive practices as well as to implementing Cultural Safety Framework guidelines within the next twelve months.

Blak business

Past policies and practices have taken money and work away from generations of First Nations people. Stolen wages and lands undermined the economic futures of First Nations people and contribute to intergenerational poverty and economic disempowerment.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to utilising First Nations businesses as contractors, suppliers, and producers on a first preference basis.

Cultural theft

Cultural theft damages have damaged First Nations people and communities. Strengthening culture directly supports First Nations people's health and wellbeing.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to buying Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander art or products only from Indigenous-owned businesses.

Reconciliation at work

Everyone benefits from a reconciliation-focussed workplace.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan in the next 12 months.

Political representation

First Nations people have been fighting for a political voice, and structural changes like a treaty, for more than 100 years. Their voice and representation provide strength to our country.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to developing organisational understanding of the history of representative bodies. We also commit to supporting current calls by First Nations people for treaties, constitutional reform, and the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Languages

Language is intrinsic to culture and identity. The use of language also has a transformative effect in developing an empathetic understanding of First Nations people, culture, identity and Country.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to developing an organisational understanding of First Nations language and integration of language in our operations.

Higher education

First Nations expertise and voices continue to battle to be heard in higher education.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to supporting more research into truth-telling in higher education as well as our education programs, products and services.

Land rights

First Nations peoples have and continue to fight hard for land rights and native title.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to supporting First Nations ownership of Country.

Care for Country

First Nations peoples hold the knowledge to manage and protect Country. Western science and environmental activists must learn from and embed this expertise.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to embedding First Nations knowledge in our land management practices as well as our education programs, products and services.

Above and beyond

Respectful language

The language we use has a dramatic effect on our thinking. The use mindful use of respectful language builds gratitude and understanding of First Nations people.

Our Commitment
Biotao is committed to the use of language that is respectful of First Nations people.