Our Commitment
Enlighten Me acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise the deep, ongoing connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to land, waters, culture, and community. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded.
We are committed to respectful, culturally safe, and ethical research practice in all projects involving or affecting First Nations peoples. Our approach recognises the unique status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the role that research has historically played in perpetuating inequity. We aim to do things differently, by listening first, collaborating where appropriate, and reflecting indigenous perspectives with care.
Where our work intersects with First Nations communities or contexts, we:
- Prioritise inclusive, strengths-based reporting that avoids deficit framing
- Respect indigenous data sovereignty and the right of communities to govern, own, and interpret their data
- Seek local guidance on cultural protocols and language when working in place
- Follow ethical research principles aligned with the AIATSIS Code of Ethics for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research, and where relevant, the Maiam Nayri Wingara Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles
We also recognise that engagement must be shaped by local knowledge. In Australia, we work to identify appropriate local partners or advisors in the regions where we operate and follow their lead on how engagement should be structured. In some cases, this means supporting the client to maintain existing relationships. In others, it may involve forming new connections.
As a trans-Tasman agency, our commitment to Indigenous partnership spans both Aotearoa and Australia. You can read more about our Treaty of Waitangi Commitment here.
This statement is a living commitment. We will continue to adapt our practice as our understanding deepens and as we learn from the people and communities we work alongside.
