Many workplaces now understand the importance (and benefits) of building a diverse and culturally inclusive workplace. But, without a formal commitment in place, the word ‘reconciliation’ risks becoming another buzzword used by employers who have good intentions, but little to show for them.
For Australian workplaces, no action is more commonly accepted by the Aboriginal and Torres Straight communities as the best place to start, than the creation of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) through Reconciliation Australia.
International Development organisation, JID, have done just that but – what makes theirs unique is that it was created with the help of Ngiyampaa/Wiradjuri artist, Maddy Hodgetts, explains JID’s CEO, Darren Morgan.
“One of the key drivers in the making of our RAP was to align our business model with our reconciliation journey. As an Australian-owned business operating internationally, we wanted a focus on shared stories from many places. Maddy’s artwork accurately captures how we are all linked even though we come from different places and different cultures” says Darren.
Maddy was provided with JID’s branding colours which represent the ocean (blue), the earth (green) and the sun (yellow) and she became familiar with their organisational values.
She then created a piece which tells the story of connection between People and Country, as well as the interconnection with all living and non-living things on Mother Earth.
“The artwork has enabled us to include indigenous voices as part of our international business and showcase Maddy’s stories to the wider world, which is what the RAP is all about. It is used in all our RAP materials and presentations, including the RAP itself,” says Darren.
Maddy explains, “The green circles represent our homes and tracks to one another, the yellow circles represent the suns and the blue shows the rivers and oceans between us all.”
Maddy’s stories are about our obligation to the earth we live on and every creature in it. For Maddy, her aim is to continue the practices of her Ancestors and give back to her Ngurrampaa.
“My mother, Sharon, practices indigenous archaeology working to protect cultural sites. This bestowed on me the importance of protecting and caring for our land. I grew up spending time exploring the bush and learning the stories with her, something we still do today to continue my cultural learning,” says Maddy.
Maddy began entering her paintings into a local NAIDOC week art competition when she was just 11 and won first prize in her category. She continued entering her artwork in consecutive years winning awards and selling her artworks.
Now 26, Maddy has developed her own style where she strives to depict Ngiyampaa Country and its stories. She is also passionate about using traditional Ngiyampaa styles which includes lines and stick figures, as well as yellow, white and earthy colours. Her art and the stories behind them will continue to evolve as she continuously learns her culture.
Maddy trades as Kapata Dreaming – you can edexwxaxsacheck out her artwork and stories at: https://kapatadreaming.com/
