Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
During 2017, Meerilinga Children and Community Foundation embarked on an organisation-wide Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). This Action Plan documents the vision of the organisation and lists the practical commitments of Meerilinga in furthering reconciliation in Australia.
Vision for Reconciliation
Our vision is to be Western Australia’s leading service for children and families and to promote the rights of First Nations Peoples, by acknowledging, supporting and empowering all communities to build mutual respect, trust and meaningful connections.
Meerilinga supports the principle of a process of ‘agreement-making’ and ‘truth-telling’. This principle is core to Meerilinga’s work in ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have their views heard in relation to the services, employment and policies of Meerilinga that impacts or affects their lives.
Acknowledgment of Country
Meerilinga acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Ballardong, Wadjuk, Noongar Country, where Meerilinga’s main offices are located, and recognises their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respect to their cultures and to Elders past, present and future in the spirit of reconciliation.
A Message from the CEO
In the spirit of the Meerilinga values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration and Accountability, Meerilinga respectfully acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Traditional Custodians of the Land in which we live and share. We honour the local perspectives, stories and knowledge shared with us by Custodians and in allowing us to enrich our lives through mutual knowledge and understanding.
Meerilinga acknowledges the diversity and unique position of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of mainland Australia and the islands of the Torres Strait. In accordance with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander laws and customs, connection to Country sustains contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, languages, arts and spiritualities, despite the historical and ongoing impact of the political, social and economic process of colonisation on the lives and futures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Reconciliation is about unity and respect between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians. It is about respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and valuing justice and equity for all Australians. Reconciliation is a shared responsibility that requires a whole-of-organisation approach and active engagement with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, the need to raise awareness, and to challenge and educate our staff and community regarding the histories, cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
