The conference organising committee has established seven guiding principles to the planning and delivery of the conference. By adhering to these guiding principles, partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples can be transformative, respectful, and mutually beneficial. These principles provide a framework for building strong, collaborative relationships that honour the rights, cultures, and aspirations of all involved.

Conference Principles

1. Reciprocity:
Recognise and uphold the principle of reciprocity, which emphasises mutual exchange, respect, and benefit. Promote a balanced give-and-take approach, where all parties contribute and receive in a fair and equitable manner. Acknowledge and value the knowledges, traditions, and cultures of Indigenous communities.

2. Critical Reflection:
Engage in continuous critical reflection as individuals and as groups. This involves examining personal and collective biases, assumptions, and stereotypes that may hinder the development of an effective partnerships and decision making. Foster an open and honest dialogue that encourages self-awareness, learning, and growth for all involved.

3. Collaboration:
Embrace collaboration as the foundation of a strong partnership. Recognise that diverse perspectives, skills, and experiences enrich the decision-making process. Foster an inclusive environment where all voices are heard, and decisions are made collectively. Promote shared decision-making, shared resources, and shared responsibility to achieve common goals.

4. Sharing:
Foster a culture of sharing that goes beyond sharing resources and extends to sharing power, knowledge, and opportunities. Encourage the sharing of multiple knowledge systems, cultural practices and stories, recognising their unique value and contribution to sustainable development. Ensure that the benefits of the partnership are distributed fairly and transparently, acknowledging and addressing historical imbalances.

5. Respect:
Approach the partnership with a deep respect for each other's values, beliefs, and ways of life. Acknowledge and learn from the historical injustices and trauma experienced by Indigenous communities. Create a safe and supportive space where differences are celebrated, and conflicts are resolved through open and respectful communication. Promote cultural sensitivity and humility to build trust and understanding.

6. Equity:
Commit to achieving equity in all aspects of the partnership. Recognise and address power imbalances that exist between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Work towards supporting Indigenous peoples and communities empowerment through full participation in decision-making processes, resource allocation, and decision making.

7. Long-term Commitment:
Recognise that building effective partnerships requires long-term commitment and sustained effort. Foster relationships based on trust, accountability, and transparency. Avoid tokenism or superficial engagement, and instead invest in building meaningful connections grounded in shared goals and shared benefits. Regularly evaluate and adapt partnership strategies to address emerging needs and challenges.