The ACA’s new RAP Working Group was developed to support the ACA membership with their learning around First Nations knowledge and engagement, with a focus on Reconciliation Action Plans. Here we provide a summary of the Group’s aims and a brief interview with the RAP Working Group Chair Stephen Pearse.
Our RAP Working Group has representatives from each branch committee, ensuring that our efforts represent the unique interests of each state. Our primary purpose is to promote the benefits of reconciliation within our membership; strengthen our understanding of First Nations culture within our membership; and create opportunities for further engagement and employment of First Nations people within our membership. Our efforts are a genuine commitment to equity and learning. We have already started work, with the addition of our First Nations Understanding portal and future planning around CPD events and the sharing of knowledge and resources.
In August 2023, the ACA’s Reconciliation Action Plan was endorsed. Our RAP statement explains our motivations for developing a RAP:
“We are an organisation of considerable influence within the built environment sphere, and we want to use this influence to create a more diverse, equitable and sustainable profession. We acknowledge that we have much to learn from Traditional Owners in relation to the impact of colonisation and care for the land and environment. We are just beginning to understand what Country, with its layers of complexity and richness, means to First Nations people and we are committed to engaging in authentic, meaningful exchange to learn more… we acknowledge that much work is to be done in improving diversity and inclusion within the profession. We want to be part of a profession in which First Nations students view architecture as a viable and rewarding career path. Our role in this is to provide our membership with the resources and understanding to lead culturally safe work environments and to raise awareness of supportive programs such as CareerTrackers and Reconciliation Australia.”
Also see our RAP article, where you can read our full statement and download the ACA Reconciliation Action Plan. The beautiful artwork on the cover of our RAP is by Judith Coppin, a renowned artist and Yindjibarndi Elder, and tells the dreamtime story of the seven sisters star system. We purchased the rights to the artwork through Juluwarlu Art Group, who have transferred 100% of the fee to Judith.
Get in touch
The new RAP Working Group seeks expressions of interest from ACA member practices in Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory. If you would like to join our small, passionate team of architects to discuss Reconciliation Action Plans and shared challenges and opportunities, please get in touch.
The ACA also welcomes input into the issues that matter to our member practices. If you have feedback on how the new RAP working group can assist you and your business, please get in touch.
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