Meaningful First Nations Engagement

View this on demand webinar for a session on how to strengthen culturally respectful practice and deepen engagement with First Nations communities. Whadjuk/Ballardong Noongar and Nanda Yamatji man, Patrick Garlett-Forrest, is an Associate Lecturer in Architecture at Curtin University and Founder of Boorloo Indigenous Services. The presentation covers the three core themes of Acknowledgement of Country, indigenous engagement plans and building relationships with local indigenous communities. This webinar was led by ACA WA and originally held 15 July 2026.

Viewers will gain insights into key principles and practical approaches that support more informed, authentic and accountable project work through the following core themes.

• Acknowledgement of Country: we will unpack what an Acknowledgement of Country truly represents, why it matters in professional practice, and how it can be delivered with genuine understanding and intent, including how to avoid common pitfalls such as tokenism, and what best practice looks like.
• Indigenous Engagement Plans: the (koort) heart of the presentation. This section explores what an Indigenous Engagement Plan is, why it matters beyond mere compliance, and what makes a plan meaningful and effective. We will highlight common missteps and offer guidance on embedding respectful engagement throughout a project's lifecycle.
• Building Relationships with Local Indigenous Communities: the session concludes with a discussion on developing long-term, reciprocal relationships — understanding local context, showing up consistently, creating mutual benefit, and maintaining accountability well beyond a project's completion.

COST

Completion of this 1 hour webinar and submission of the self-checked assessment task will deliver 1 formal CPD point.

Learning outcomes – By attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Better understand key principles of culturally respectful practice and meaningful engagement with First Nations communities.
• Explain the purpose of an Acknowledgement of Country and apply it with authenticity and respect.
• Recognise the value of Indigenous Engagement Plans and their role in supporting engagement beyond compliance.
• Apply practical approaches to embedding respectful Indigenous engagement throughout project delivery.
• Identify strategies for building authentic, long-term relationships with local Indigenous communities.

AACA NSCA  Practice Management & Professional Conduct – PC 8.

A certificate of completion will be issued on submission of answers to CPD questions. Please keep your receipt, completed questions and certificate for your CPD records.

CONTACT