Be Brave. Make Change.
27th May, 2022
It’s National Reconciliation Week and as a business born in regional Australia, we know that just acknowledging First Nations people is not enough.
Reconciliation must be authentic and a journey of many footprints, and we’re approaching that journey with curiosity, humility, and heart. We know we must listen, learn, and come together with a genuine desire to create a future that supports cultural safety, diversity, and inclusion.
We’re currently working with Reconciliation Australia to formalise and publish our ‘REFLECT’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). For us, it’s all about building a culture of belonging and self-expression. Where everyone has a voice, and every voice is heard. This forms part of our journey to enable positive change for this and future generations. For our people, our customers and for the communities where we live and work. We will walk together with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as we continue to fulfil our purpose through our Reconciliation journey, for Good.
Our First Nations partnerships:
Since 2013 Cotton On Foundation has supported First Nations-led programs in Australia such as:
- Learning on Country Galtha Rom Workshops | Yirrkala
Deepening connection to culture within the school curriculum through knowledge from elders.
- Wellbeing Workshops | Yirrkala
Engaging and supporting students through mentorship.
- The Mulka Art and Music Project | Yirrkala
Expressing Yolŋu culture through music, story, art and creative expression.
- Community Based Aboriginal Teacher Education (C-BATE) | Yirrkala School & Laynhapuy Homelands School
Supporting Yolŋu teachers to access educational career pathways in their communities.
- Djalkiri Pathways Program | Yirrkala
A Yolŋu-led intergenerational initiative that will help create meaningful pathways for individualised career growth, further education including empowering the next generation of leaders.
- Strong Brother, Strong Sister | Wadawurrung Country
Aboriginal owned and led organisation which provides a culturally appropriate safe place for Aboriginal young people to access and thrive.
- Stars Foundation
Stars provides a holistic program that supports Indigenous girls and young women to attend and remain engaged at school, complete Year 12 and move into full-time work or further study.
This National Reconciliation Week we’re challenging each and every one of our team members to ‘Be Brave. Make Change.’