These questions may help develop proactive and positive engagement with local Aboriginal communities during the strategic planning process.
What is a realistic timeframe to develop a strategic approach? What time constraints do councils and Aboriginal communities have?
| Questions to ask | Status |
|---|---|
| What is known about the Aboriginal communities in the local area and what do we need to learn? | |
| What has been council’s past experience in addressing the issues for Aboriginal constituents? What has and has not worked? | |
| Has council considered the impact on Aboriginal communities of all its policies and programs? | |
| Is there an understanding of what constitutes Aboriginal cultural heritage, and a shared understanding of how it should be protected and managed? | |
| Do all Aboriginal communities have adequate and equitable access to council services? Does this include discrete Aboriginal Villages? How do we know? | |
| Who are the local key Aboriginal leaders and other stakeholders who can advise council? Do “silent” communities have a voice? | |
| Is there a capacity for strategic resource partnerships with other councils in developing a common approach? | |
| What are the best methods of engaging Aboriginal communities in determining council priorities? | |
| What are the priority issues for Aboriginal communities? | |
| Of these issues, which are the important ones for council to address within the next planning cycle? | |
| What is the best method for council to use in partnership with Aboriginal communities to progress these issues within the constraints of the resources available? | |
| To progress these issues what do Aboriginal communities need in terms of information and resources to make an effective contribution? | |
| What will be the decision-making process and how will Aboriginal communities participate? | |
| How will the decision-making be documented with achievable and measurable outcomes, in a meaningful way for Aboriginal people? | |
| How will the decisions made be distributed meaningfully to Aboriginal communities? | |
| How will Aboriginal communities participate in the evaluation of policies and decisions made that impact directly on their communities? |