First Nations' Resources

Introduction to Nathan Tyson

Nathan Tyson has recently joined the Synod in the role of Relationship and Service Manager, on a 12 month secondment from his role with Uniting as the Community Engagement and Partnership Specialist with the Aboriginal Strategy and Engagement Unit.

Nathan’s role with the Synod is to provide support, enabling congregations and presbyteries, to develop real covenant relationships with local Indigenous communities furthering the life and witness of the church.  Nathan will also work closely with key Synod leaders in the Synod Office as well as Presbyteries, to implement a cultural awareness program in relation to Australia’s First Peoples.

Nathan suggests reviewing the resources in the order they are listed, as it will help make sense of the journey so far, and why we still have more work to do to address legacy issues stemming from colonisation/dispossession, the Stolen Generations, and the current social justice issues impacting Aboriginal people, families and communities.

Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week Resources 2020

• AHRC Bringing them Home video (30min)
• Please note: the content of this video is at times very emotional and may be difficult to watch at times… I’d recommend a packet of tissues handy as most people can’t help but shed a few tears. Perhaps even watch it with a friend, so you can have a bit of a chat and debrief afterwards. Even though it can be an emotional journey, it is essential viewing for anyone who genuinely wishes to understand what the “Stolen Generations” refers to, and how deeply Aboriginal people and their families were impacted.
• National Apology 2008 video (30min) Then Prime Minister, The Hon. Kevin Rudd’s, apology to the Stolen Generations on 13 February 2008.
• The Bringing them Home Report For those who would like to read the full report, and gain deeper insight about the Stolen Generations.
• Bringing them Home website/resources
• Closing the Gap Report 2020 In his Apology speech, you will hear Kevin Rudd mention “Close the Gap”. View a copy of the latest Closing the Gap Report here.
• National Reconciliation Week – Reconciliation Australia website/resources
• Intergenerational Trauma This link provides a good explanation of what intergenerational trauma is, how it can impact Aboriginal people and communities, and how it can be acknowledged in developing appropriate programs and responses to community needs

Engaging with Aboriginal People and Communities

Cultural difference and diversity

• The White Australia Policy – eurocentrism, assumptions of superiority, cultural bias, etc
• Diversity of Aboriginal Peoples (similar to Nations in Europe… many nations, many languages, many cultures, not homogenous). (See language map)
• Aboriginal identity is not about skin colour

Some further links on engaging, working and respectful relationships with First Nations People

• Working With Aboriginal People
• Engaging with Aboriginal Communities
• Working with Indigenous Children, Families and Communities
• Respectful Relationships
• Engaging with Aboriginal Children and Young People Toolkit
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Engagement Toolkit
• Protocols for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Cultural Perspectives

Aboriginal culture and the workplace – how different cultural values can influence perspectives and approaches to work. Aboriginal family and community responsibilities versus work commitments and expectations – finding reasonable and respectful solutions.

Cultural Perspectives – difference between Indigenous cultural values and Western cultural values

• IndigenousWorks - Cultures
• Indigenous peoples worldviews vs western worldviews

Cultural perspectives - Family and kinship connections

• Supporting the social and emotional wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children

• Working with Indigenous, First Nations People - Family and Kinship

Cultural perspectives - Communication – cultural difference - use of language, body language, self-confidence, eye contact

• Communicating effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Communicating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Audiences

Self Determination from an International Perspective

Watch the video here.

Further discussion

Nathan is happy to participate in a Zoom discussion with your Presbytery/Congregation/workplace group about any of these topics if you would like to organise a Zoom meeting. Feel free to give Nathan a call to discuss (0438 714 862) or send him a Zoom invitation via NathanT@nswact.uca.org.au (if I have a prior commitment I will contact you to find a mutually suitable time).