Canberra, 6 July 2022: Today - coinciding with 2022 NAIDOC Week – ALIA is proud to launch its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2022-2024. Coordinated by ALIA’s RAP Working Group the plan will help ALIA to develop and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, engage staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, support First Nations self-determination, and pilot innovative strategies to ensure effective and lasting outcomes.
The launch marks the next step in the pathway through the four different stages of RAP established by Reconciliation Australia: Reflect, Innovate, Stretch and Elevate.
“Following 12 months of consultation and development - and building upon our Reflect RAP 2019-2021 - ALIA is proud to step up into the ‘Innovate’ level as part of our commitment to taking affirmative reconciliation action” said ALIA CEO Cathie Warburton.
“This next iteration of the RAP will provide an essential framework for us as we work towards removing barriers to a more diverse and inclusive library and information workforce and as we support the implementation of First Nations’ policies and protocols in the Australian library and information sector and within our own organisation.”
As the name suggests, the Innovate RAP is a chance to challenge ourselves with new projects and to be creative in our thinking around initiatives.
Highlights of ALIA’s Innovate RAP include: the formation of the ALIA Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Expert Advisory Group, supporting the reactivation the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library, Information and Resource Network (ATSILIRN) network and protocols, creating additional opportunities with our Indigenous Scholarship scheme, pursuing the recommendations set out in the National Survey on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment in Australian Libraries and partnering in work with the Australian Publishing Association (APA) and University of Queensland (UQ) to improve the visibility and discoverability of First Nations’ works through metadata improvements.
A highlight of the Innovate RAP is the digital artwork created especially for ALIA by ‘Traditional Core’ artist Richard Allan Jr - a Ngunnawal, Kamilaroi, Bundjalung artist.
The artwork is a representation of the pathways that promote the free flow of information and ideas as well as the pathways taken by the people who contribute to the improvement of library and information services.
Within the artwork, Richard has included seeds to represent beginnings yet to be realised, sprouting plants coming to life, and a mature tree that shows the way and reminds us where we have been. A tree in full bloom and the various pathways lead us onwards to hope in the future. Each element strengthens the other parts, creating a diverse and connected environment.
There will be a lot of change ahead over the coming two years and ALIA’s Innovate RAP is an excellent tool for connecting the work that ALIA undertakes in this space and for ensuring projects come to fruition.
The ALIA RAP Working Group meets monthly and will soon be participating in the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire. The annual questionnaire is a great way to reflect on how ALIA plays a part in making a positive impact on Australia’s reconciliation journey.
The Working Group is committed to putting the ‘action’ into the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. A timeline and clear responsibilities for ALIA staff have been established so ALIA can deliver on the RAP over the next two years.
Read and download the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2022-2024.