Reconciliation Week Reflection

‘Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.’

Reconciliation Australia.

Respectful relationships are at the heart of reconciliation.

Over the past 12 months the minerals industry has deeply reflected on its own relationships with First Nations.

It has been a time of listening and learning.

Industry is grateful for the openness and willingness of First Nations landholders, communities and organisations to share their experiences of mining – to share what has worked well, what has not and their visions for the future of mining partnerships.

We have heard that industry must do more to be a better, more engaged partner in many circumstances while further demonstrating industry’s deep respect for the cultures, histories, knowledge and aspirations of the diverse First Nations communities with which it partners.

Industry is taking action to do so, at sites, at companies and together.

It will take time, and industry is committed to putting strong relationships at the forefront of its engagement approach.

Through Reconciliation Week events, webinars, dialogues and reflections with mining partners across the country, First Nations people are again generously sharing their histories, aspirations, knowledge and successes with industry.

Reconciliation Week 2021 reminds all Australians of the the importance of celebrating and learning from First Nations cultures, and our shared responsibilities to support Indigenous Australians to achieve their aspirations and priorities.