Respectful project processes

Embedding culturally grounded approaches is a key principle of co-design. This means that the ways of working centre Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing.

When planning engagement and project methods, ask yourself if you are approaching the work on your terms or if the processes and approaches are reflective of how the people you are engaging with want to work.

Applying respectful processes

• Be flexible with project timelines and be prepared to pause or extend timelines as needed based on community priorities and availability.
• Use early discussions to learn about culturally appropriate, respectful and meaningful communication (including language and artwork) and apply this in how you work.
• Ask colleagues and local leaders what remuneration or in-kind support is appropriate and build this into your budget.

“I do think that there’s still a lot of work to do... to encourage people to feel like it’s okay to take a bit longer time wise. I think still sometimes we as a collective were rushed through processes. Where actually our way is to give time, the time it needs.”  

Focus group participant - Anderson K et al. Development of Key Principles and Best Practices for Co-Design in Health with First Nations Australians. IJERPH 2022; 20(1):147. 

Stiving for cultural competency

ALL members of project teams - including non-Indigenous members must demonstrate continuous striving for cultural competency. Self-reflection is essential. Cultural competence is not achieved through a one-off piece of training but requires you to put aside your own beliefs and walk in someone else’s shoes.

This means:

• recognising and acknowledging that systemic and institutional racism are inherent in the health system and continue to adversely affect the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• consistently seeking to understand and respect the cultural values and preferences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
• acknowledging and valuing the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and communities.
• taking proactive steps to address privilege and power differentials that may reduce the potential for a true co-design approach.

The Optimal Care Pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer (PDF 3.09 MB) also provides guidance on delivering culturally safe and responsive health care using culturally-grounded approaches.

Tips for culturally safe practice

• Consistently challenge your perceptions/bias and dedicate time to listening, learning and self-reflection.
• Acknowledge prevailing systemic and institutional racism from the outset. Work with your team to understand and take action to address the impact of racism on project partners, processes and outcomes.
• Be sensitive to the significant cultural diversity that exists among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Be ready to adjust how you work with each community based on what they tell you is important for them.
• Make a conscious effort to understand and use language that recognises inherent strengths in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities rather than focusing on deficits. 

“That’s a really important part of this principle, that non-Indigenous stakeholders do cultural competency training, that they start to learn and understand respectful ways of talking to [community] and working with one another, acknowledging colonised privilege and countering that in order to achieve self-determination and equity.”

Focus group participant - Anderson K et al. Development of Key Principles and Best Practices for Co-Design in Health with First Nations Australians. IJERPH 2022; 20(1):147.