The First Nations People of Australia participated in their own forms of community development for thousands of years before colonisation.1 Despite this, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been forced to conform to non-indigenous standards of community development – using strategies that are not meaningful to them, to achieve results that may not be seen as a benefit by that community.
Community First Development is a First Nations organisation which has worked with a large number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia. Over their 20 years of experience they have worked with these communities to produce A First Nations Approach to Community Development. This invaluable resource provides a framework for community development with First Nations communities.
Core principles from Community First Development include only becoming involved with First Nations communities when invited to be a part of the discussion and ensuring First Nations communities have full control over the project and its outcomes.2 Watch the video below for an introduction to the framework and principles.
Click on the arrow below to play video
While community development is intuitively led by community, it is especially important in the case of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Community development must be initiated by the community rather than for the community. This often looks like engaging with the community when they are ready rather than when the organisation or professional/s are ready and being flexible around deadlines. This ensures empowerment and control for the community throughout the project and promotes self-determination for First Nations communities, which has historically been denied.
It is equally as important that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders communities are in control of determining what strategies are implemented and what outcomes they want to see. Non-indigenous initiatives can expect community development projects to conform to non-indigenous standards of success. Community development as a whole stands for communities making the decisions about what is important to them rather than what the government or a service tells them is important.
Due to the historical and ongoing eradication of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, there may be a deep sense of distrust and apprehension towards non-indigenous organisations and initiatives. It is because of this that there must be a long-term commitment from organisations and professionals working with First Nations communities. Firstly to establish trust and understanding, and secondly to assist with the implementation of the project.
Finally, it must also be acknowledged that culture permeates everything we do. The Australian Institute of Family Studies highlights the importance of prioritising culture when working with First Nations communities in a community development capacity.3 This includes recognising the relationship the community has with country and, often, a collectivist (not individualistic) world view.
Request a copy of the Community First Development framework. It’s free!
Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
No matter the community you work in, there is the possibility that you will be required to work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Being mindful of the history of colonisation and the effects on populations today is essential to success.
Click the Next Lesson or Mark Complete button below to continue on to the Community Engagement vs. Community Development lesson.
Reclaiming Our Stories, Reclaiming Our Lives – Dulwich Centre Newsletter
