Reconciliation
Occupational Therapy Australia is a community built on shared values, compassion, and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion and occupational participation in society. Our reconciliation journey is one of continuous learning, and we are steadfast in our dedication to fostering deep mutual respect and understanding of the diverse cultures that enrich our nation.
Reconciliation Action Plan
To ensure our association is a culturally safe and welcoming organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people we need to create space for conversation and collaboration, for learning and sharing. Our Reflect RAP is the culmination of work from multiple groups and individuals invested in producing a meaningful roadmap for OTA’s reconciliation actions. We acknowledge and value all parties for lending their time and their cultural and/or clinical knowledge to this journey, including:
- RAP Development Group—represented by First Nations occupational therapists, members, non-members, Board and Indigenous Allied Health Australia and NATSIOTN representation
- Staff, Board members and RAP Development Group members through a planning workshop day at Koori Heritage Trust facilitated by an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultant
- Internal RAP Working Group—representation from across OTA’s teams to continue our learning, and to explore how to operationalise the activities of the Reflect RAP
- OTA staff who have committed to and completed a range of cultural responsiveness training courses
- OTA Board for their contribution, endorsement and support
- External review of the Reflect RAP draft by a RAP consultant to assist with Reconciliation Australia compliance prior to submission for endorsement
Our Actions
The key expectations of starting with a Reflect RAP are to look inwards at the association, assess the readiness for reconciliation, establish effective governance structures, and determine the organisation’s vision for reconciliation. A key element during the Reflect RAP is to build understanding of who, how, why, and when to seek guidance and consultation, and to improve relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
A detailed and comprehensive report has been provided to Reconciliation Australia to demonstrate the deliverables against the actions set out in OTA’s Reflect RAP. Completing our first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan is another step we take to solidifying our commitment to reconciliation, developing OTA’s and our journey to understanding.
These are some of the actions OTA has taken through implementing our Reflect RAP:
- Developed and implemented Cultural Protocols for OTA, our staff, Board, members and committees to provide guidance and direction
- Curated an interactive Reconciliation Space at our OT Exchange event held in June 2022 in Melbourne
- Introducing an internal staff resource hub of videos, documents, current issues, guides and inductions for the reconciliation work of the association and embedding practices
- Board Executive training with Bundyi Girri Consulting and Cultural Competence training opportunities for staff and members
We are motivated to continue this transformative work by commencing the development of an Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan for endorsement with Reconciliation Australia as per the framework in 2023. To develop this plan, we will be drawing on the recommendations, insights and suggestions provided by members, partners and stakeholders and expanding on the opportunities we can implement to support and guide the profession. We will look for further member engagement as we progress.
Uncle Albert Baxter's Story
This is Uncle Albert Baxter's story. A proud Gunnaikurnai, Monero and Yorta Yorta elder from Gippsland, Victoria, Albert's open and honest story is one that many could relate to and he shared it in the hope of inspiring other Aboriginal men to begin their healing journey.
Uncle Albert's story was filmed with the wonderful team at Dardi Munwurro, an organisation based in Melbourne delivering a range of family violence, healing and behaviour change programs and services across Victoria.
Uncle Albert is also a co-contributor of OTA's new book, Doing Our Best: Individual and Community Responses to Challenging Times.
About "Gaka Yapameyepuka" by Luke and Siena Tieri
Our reconciliation artwork, is called 'Gaka Yapameyepuka,' meaning 'Come Together' in Yorta Yorta language.
Painted by artists Luke and Siena Tieri from Bayadherra, the artwork depicts the collaboration and connection between Occupational Therapy Australia and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, encouraging cultural awareness and engagement to strengthen relationships and contribute to reconciliation.
The two large yarning circles depict OTA and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The four smaller yarning circles depict the stages of reconciliation and are connected by learning pathways. The large yarning circles are connected by 2 solid purple lines and 2 dashed yellow lines: The purple lines represent the completion of reflect and the yellow lines represent the process of working towards innovate, stretch and elevate. This reconciliation journey is ongoing and strengthens cultural connections between OTA and traditional custodians.
The circular artwork design symbolises the impact and outreach of reconciliation within OTA offices across Country, and the holistic approach to patient healthcare and wellbeing. All six circles acknowledge the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, biological and social aspects of client wellbeing and also depict the six OTA values. The smaller circles around the outside of the artwork represent waterholes as a meeting place. This depicts OTA support networks and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Country contributing to access, equality and inclusion. These waterholes surround the central RAP process reflecting OTA's commitment to reconciliation.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people share a deep connection with the lands and waters of Australia that spans back over 60,000 years. As a relatively new profession and association we have a responsibility, a duty and a commitment to reconciliation and to growing greater understanding.
Our journey to understanding strives to be one of continuous learning and deeper connectedness to culture and country. Developing deep mutual respect and relationships, our Board, staff and members can join and contribute to a shared and reconciled journey towards a just and equitable future.
