Underpinning our work is the principle of First Peoples first. This means putting First Peoples knowledge, practice, protocols and cultural authority at the heart of the creative industries, and forging stronger and enduring partnerships with First Peoples creative communities.
In putting this principle into action, we acknowledge that First Peoples self-determination is a human right as enshrined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and we are guided by the 11 principles of Aboriginal self-determination, outlined below.
Led by the Creative Victoria First Peoples Directions Circle, Creative Victoria is working to ensure that opportunities are maximised for First Peoples and to increase First Peoples representation and employment in Victoria’s creative industries across the state.
Creative Victoria applies the principle of First Peoples First by:
- Taking direction from Creative Victoria’s First Peoples Directions Circle in our program design and implementation
- Prioritising time and resources to ensure meaningful First Peoples engagement and self-determination
- Ensuring all Creative Victoria staff undertake First Peoples cultural awareness and safety training
- Effectively promoting all programs and opportunities to First Peoples communities
- Employing more First Peoples at Creative Victoria.
The 11 Guiding Principles of Aboriginal Self-Determination
1. Human Rights
Self-Determination initiatives honour the norms set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006.
2. Cultural Integrity
As First Nations peoples, the rich, thriving cultures, knowledge and diverse experiences of Aboriginal people, including where they fit with family, community and society, will be recognised, valued, heard and celebrated.
3. Commitment
Aboriginal Self-Determination will be advanced and embedded through planned action that is endorsed by, and accountable to, all parties.
4. Aboriginal Expertise
Government and agencies will seek out, value and embed Aboriginal culture, knowledge, expertise and diverse perspectives in policies and practice.
5. Partnership
Partnerships will advance Aboriginal autonomy through equitable participation, shared authority and decision-making, and will be underpinned by cultural integrity.
6. Decision-Making
Decision-makers will respect the right to free, prior and informed consent and individual choice and will prioritise the transfer of decision-making power to Aboriginal people in areas that impact their communities.
7. Empowerment
Aboriginal people will have autonomy and participation in the development, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of legislation, policies and programs that impact their communities.
8. Cultural Safety
Programs and services accessed by Aboriginal people will be inclusive, respectful, responsive and relevant, and informed by culturally safe practice frameworks.
9. Investment
Investment to support Self-Determination will be sustainable, flexible and appropriate to strengthen Aboriginal peoples’ aspirations and participation, including around economic participation, economic independence and building wealth.
10. Equity
Systemic and structural racism, discrimination and unconscious bias and other barriers to Aboriginal Self-Determination will be actively identified and eliminated.
11. Accountability
All parties responsible for delivering outcomes involving Aboriginal people will be held accountable and subject to Aboriginal-led, independent and transparent oversight.