Chapter 1

Introduction & Cultural Foundations

About This Guide — CLAD developed this guide to support architects in understanding their professional obligations and building respectful Indigenous engagement practices. This guide is not authored by an Indigenous person. Instead, we've created a centralised resource linking directly to Indigenous voices, Indigenous-authored materials, and Indigenous-led organisations. Throughout, we defer to and link to First Nations perspectives and expertise. Use this guide as a starting point. The real knowledge comes from engaging directly with Indigenous peoples, communities, and their knowledge systems. We encourage you to seek out Indigenous practitioners, consultants, and community leaders in your own work. For guidance on specific projects, engage directly with the Traditional Owners of that Country.

Project Kickoff Sequence for Chapter 1

A first-week sequence to convert principles into immediate project setup actions.

  1. Step 1: Identify Country and Custodians

    Day 0

    Confirm Country, Traditional Owners, and key local entities before first design moves.

    Actions
    • Use AIATSIS map for language group orientation
    • Check state systems such as ACHRIS where relevant
    • Capture contact and jurisdiction notes in project setup
    Expected Outputs
    • Country identification record
    • Initial contact list
    • Project file note confirming jurisdiction checks

  2. Step 2: Confirm Professional Obligations

    Days 1-2

    Align team expectations to NSCA, ICIP, and engagement standards.

    Actions
    • Review NSCA performance criteria that apply
    • Confirm Indigenous engagement budget allowances
    • Assign a clear team owner for engagement tracking
    Expected Outputs
    • Obligations checklist
    • Budget line item for engagement
    • Named accountability owner

  3. Step 3: Prepare Respectful First Contact

    Week 1

    Prepare engagement framing and timing before requesting design decisions.

    Actions
    • Draft introductory communication in plain language
    • List key project decisions requiring community input
    • Allow calendar space for community-led pacing
    Expected Outputs
    • Draft engagement approach
    • Decision register template
    • Revised project timeline with consultation windows

If these outputs are missing, the project is not ready for meaningful engagement.

# Introduction & Cultural Foundations Every architectural project in Australia sits on Country that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have cared for over 65,000 years. This guide helps you understand what that means for your practice. ## Why This Matters Since 2021, Indigenous engagement knowledge has been mandatory for architect registration in Australia. The National Standard of Competency for Architects now requires demonstrated competency in Indigenous engagement principles.1 This isn't just compliance. Every site holds cultural significance, stories, and ongoing connections to Traditional Owners. Understanding this context makes you a better architect. ## Three Things to Do First Before you start any project, familiarise yourself with these three resources: ### 1. AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia Find out whose Country you're working on. This map shows Traditional Custodian boundaries across Australia. Bookmark it. Use it at the start of every project to identify the relevant community contacts and understand cultural boundaries.2 > **Why we link rather than display:** The AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia is a culturally significant resource that requires formal permission for reproduction. In keeping with the principles of this guide—respecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property—we direct you to view the map on the official AIATSIS website rather than reproducing it here. → **[View the AIATSIS Map](https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/map-indigenous-australia)** --- ### 2. Australian Indigenous Design Charter Learn the 10 principles for working with Indigenous knowledge in design. The Charter gives you practical guidelines for projects involving Indigenous imagery, stories, or cultural elements. It helps you avoid appropriation and ensure your design work is culturally appropriate.3 → **[Read the Design Charter](https://indigenousdesigncharter.com.au/australian-indigenous-design-charter/)** ![Design Charter](/images/guides/country/design-charter.webp) _Fig. 1.2: The Australian Indigenous Design Charter, developed by Indigenous designers and communities, outlines 10 key principles for ethical design practice.3_ --- ### 3. National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) Understand your professional obligations. The NSCA 2021 makes Indigenous engagement a core competency. You need to demonstrate knowledge of engagement principles and culturally appropriate practice to maintain your registration. → **[View NSCA Explanatory Notes (PDF)](https://aaca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021-NSCA-Explanatory-Notes.pdf)** ![NSCA 2021](/images/guides/country/nsca-2021.webp) _Fig. 1.3: The National Standard of Competency for Architects (2021) includes Indigenous engagement as a core professional competency requirement._ --- ## How This Guide Works The guide has 10 chapters, each building on the last: | Chapter | Title | What You'll Learn | | ------- | ----------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | Introduction & Cultural Foundations | You are here | | 2 | Understanding Country | What Country means and why it's central to design | | 3 | Decolonising Architecture | How to shift from colonial to Indigenous-led practice | | 4 | Engagement & Collaboration | How to work with communities throughout a project | | 5 | Cultural Protocols | Acknowledgments, language, and respectful behaviour | | 6 | Professional Standards | Regulatory frameworks and competency requirements | | 7 | Victorian Context | State-specific legislation (if you work in Victoria) | | 8 | Essential Resources & Tools | Books, maps, and organisations to support your work | | 9 | Precedent Projects | Projects that demonstrate what good looks like | | 10 | Your Path Forward | What to do next | ## Five Principles to Guide You - **Country First** — Know whose Country you're on before you draw a single line - **Relationships Over Transactions** — Build genuine connections, not one-off consultations - **Listen More Than You Speak** — Indigenous knowledge holders are the experts - **Give Back** — Compensate fairly and acknowledge contributions properly - **Keep Learning** — This work continues your entire career --- ## Next Steps Continue to **Chapter 2: Understanding Country** to learn what Country means to First Nations peoples and why it must be central to every design decision you make. --- ## References 1 Architects Accreditation Council of Australia (AACA). (2021). _National Standard of Competency for Architects (NSCA) 2021 Explanatory Notes_. Retrieved from https://aaca.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021-NSCA-Explanatory-Notes.pdf 2 Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS). _Map of Indigenous Australia_. Retrieved from https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/map-indigenous-australia 3 Indigenous Architecture and Design Victoria (IADV). _Australian Indigenous Design Charter_. Retrieved from https://indigenousdesigncharter.com.au/

This guide is for educational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, regulations and requirements may change. Please verify all information with official sources before making professional decisions.