Collaboration and relationship building in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social work

This chapter explores what it means to work collaboratively in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social work, and to situate collaboration as key to the development and articulation of social work practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The aim is to develop the capacity for workers in social work and the human services from different cultural backgrounds and service contexts to establish purposeful and respectful working relationships with each other and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, leaders and Elders, communities and services in order to achieve common goals. One of the assumptions underpinning this chapter is that the values, skills, knowledge and protocols that inform collaborative work, relationship building and the development of partnerships are all essential for culturally respectful and effective social work. Fundamentally, this means acknowledging the colonial practices that have shaped and continue to influence the Australian social work profession. The second assumption is that non-Indigenous social workers do have an important role to play in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social work, but in order to do this effectively there is a need to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Having the capacity to work together reflects the social justice and human rights foundations of our profession. The power of collaboration can lead to significant change and capacity building for all workers, communities and services. These skills and values are transferable to all practice contexts and groups.