Building Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) - be bold and brave
National Reconciliation Week is a time to reflect, to listen, and to take action that brings us closer together. One of the important ways organisations can do this is through their Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) — when they’re done with real purpose and care.
Our CEO, Stephanie Harvey, was recently interviewed about how to develop a meaningful RAP. Read her insights below.
When it comes to RAPs and committees, start by including First Nations’ voices. The more First Nations’ people involved, the better. Their knowledge of First Nations’ ways, experience and connection to community are essential at every step.
It’s about listening and working together.
Make your RAP genuine, not just impressive
I encourage organisations to focus on what they can actually do. Keep in mind, it’s better to have a simple plan that creates real change than a long list of goals that never happen. Don’t try overpopulating it or make it too extensive. Stay with what you know.
It must be genuine, or you risk losing the credibility and goodwill of the First Peoples in your business and local community.
Try and make practical differences
I’ve seen far too many RAPs that have things like making sure Aboriginal art has the appropriate naming on it. And that’s great, and appropriate. But how does that bring us closer together in reconciliation and how does that move us forward as a people? I’d rather that you were focusing on sustainable employment outcomes, increasing Aboriginal businesses in your supply chain, that there’s an Indigenous knowledges working group in your organisation so that policies and processes include Indigenous knowledges of knowing, being, and doing, and creating a safe environment for your Indigenous employees.
I would rather that there’s a reference group, or an advisory group, where your First Nations staff can sit in a safe space and provide relevant feedback to the executive. There are practical things that can be done in a reconciliation action plan, and I would encourage people to start there.
Here are some practical ideas:
Encourage your organisation to have more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses in your supply chain.
Create job opportunities that lead to long-term careers, including leadership positions, for First Nations’ people.
Set up a working group that brings Indigenous knowledges into your policies and decision-making.
Create a safe space where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff can share their thoughts with their leadership.
These actions go beyond symbols. They create real, practical progress.
Ask for feedback from community Elders or a local Aboriginal community group
How can you make your organisation more culturally safe and welcoming?
I would consider having a review or an audit done. Sometimes, it’s hard to see what needs to change from the inside. That’s why we recommend asking an Elder, Traditional Owner, or local Aboriginal community group to look at your organisation and give honest feedback.
You might hear things that are uncomfortable but that’s part of the journey. Listen with an open mind and be willing to make changes.
I encourage organisations to build strong, local relationships with Elders, Traditional Owners, and community groups. These connections are important, no matter where you are on your reconciliation journey.
“It involves being bold and brave. Sometimes you’ll hear feedback or learn things that might feel uncomfortable or challenge the way things have always been done. It’s important to sit with that discomfort and ask: Do we need to change something? Is what they’re saying true for our organisation? ”
That’s why bringing in an external perspective, like an Elder or cultural advisor, can be so valuable. Ask them: what makes this a culturally safe place? Listen to their insights. Reflect honestly. And most importantly, be willing to make the changes that are needed. And as I said, sit with the discomfort and make the changes that are required.
Reconciliation isn’t about big statements. It’s about small, genuine steps taken together.
Real change starts with real action.