01/10/2026
How do I provide HR support to Aboriginal-led businesses as a non-Indigenous consultant?
With humility respect, and genuine commitment to learning.
My approach:
From day one, I'm explicit: "I'm not Aboriginal. I don't understand your cultural context. I have HR expertise, but I need your guidance on how to provide support that respects your cultural protocols and values."
Then I do the work:
I'm a member of the Evolves Allyship community. Completed their training. Still learning.
Learned about the 250+ distinct Indigenous peoples of Australia. About David Unaipon and Truganini. About cultural protocols and workplace considerations.
When I design HR systems:
I start with the organisation, community and mobs values, not standard templates.
Performance management that aligns with their culturally aligned language, and community-focused approaches. Employment agreements (contracts) that include cultural leave. Recruitment that's culturally appropriate.
All while meeting Fair Work legal requirements.
The result:
HR systems that respect cultural approaches AND achieve compliance.
Partnership, not imposition.
This approach works across ALL communities where I'm an outsider.
Cultural humility isn't optional. It's essential.
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