Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge and respect Traditional Owners across Australia as the original custodians of our land and waters, their unique ability to care for country and deep spiritual connection to it. We honour Elders past, present and emerging whose knowledge and wisdom has and will ensure the continuation of cultures and traditional practices.

AILA’s Reconciliation Action Plan

The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) has launched its inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) following a year of collaborative work by AILA’s Connection to Country Committee.

AILA is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse profession by encouraging and supporting our members to expand their cultural awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

About the Connection to Country Committee

The ‘Connection to Country’ Committee comprises four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Ambassadors, twelve AILA members from State and Territory Chapters, and two AILA National executive staff.

To view our current Connection to Country Committee Members and Cultural Ambassadors please visit: National Committees & Working Groups (aila.org.au)

AILA’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan

As built environment professionals who engage with land, places, cultures, history, people, natural systems and built context, landscape architects seek to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

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Resources

AILA’s Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan

As built environment professionals who engage with land, places, cultures, history, people, natural systems and built context, landscape architects seek to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. The development of AILA’s RAP allows us to better advocate for a ‘Connection to Country’ approach to landscape planning, design, and management on all our projects, in varying contexts and across many scales.

Endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, AILA’s Reflect RAP will facilitate the development of a deeper level of respect in our members and staff for Traditional Custodians and their relationship with the landscape. The Reflect RAP focuses on 15 actions in the key areas of Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance, and will be implemented over the next 12 months through state chapter led events and the ongoing sharing of information.

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Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country Protocol

This document provides general guidance on the appropriate use of ‘Welcome to Country’ and ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ protocols for landscape architects in Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities often have specific protocols which would take precedence and should be followed as closely as possible.

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Cultural Ambassador Governance Guideline

The Guideline was achieved through many discussions and reflections, and includes:

  • Experiences from our first CtCC and Cultural Ambassador partnerships
  • Recommended processes and practices to guide incoming committee members
  • Recommended administrative processes to nurture and support new partnerships
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Share our Pride website

Reconciliation Australia developed this website in response to a request from industry for an introductory site for employees. It reflects on questions like ‘what might my organisation or I do differently to build better relationships with Indigenous peoples and what might I do differently to show respect for Indigenous Australians?’.

Visit Share our Pride 

Terms of Reference

The purpose of these Connection to Country Committee Terms of Reference is to provide advice to the AILA Board on the development and delivery of an Indigenous reconciliation strategy and implementation plan for the Institute.

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