TRAINING • CONSULTING • ADVISORY
We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nation as the traditional custodians of country where our office is located. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
About
Indigenous Cultural Connections Pty Ltd is a Melbourne-based business and is owned and operated by founder and Yorta Yorta Aboriginal businesswoman, Seona James.
Specialising in cultural consulting, advisory and training services, Indigenous Cultural Connections Pty Ltd work closely with clients to co-design, understand scope and project outcomes.
We utilise established Aboriginal community networks to engage with local Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs), Traditional Owners, Elders/Respected Persons and Aboriginal community members. Our engagement style, based on self-determination principles, is essential for establishing and maintaining professional, positive and mutually beneficial relationships with Traditional Owner groups and communities.
Indigenous Cultural Connections Pty Ltd is a long-standing certified member of both Kinaway Chamber of Commerce and Supply Nation.
We acknowledge Bayadherra for their custom artwork, which has been used throughout this site.
our team
Seona James
Owner/Director
Yorta Yorta woman Seona James is from Shepparton, Victoria. She has extensive cultural knowledge gained from over 30 years of corporate experience in both the public and private sector.
She was the first female Aboriginal member of the Victorian Government Purchasing Board and Small Business Ministerial committee, where she instigated and managed numerous initiatives to increase awareness of Indigenous economic development and improve businesses social procurement processes. Thus generating greater opportunity for social and economic equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and community.
The team
We have a small, dedicated team working behind the scenes across all areas of our business. Including a couple of “woolly Dingo’s” (Leroy and Lola) who think they run the show!
Training
We offer a range of training sessions such as Cultural Awareness, Cultural Recruitment and Cultural Safety. As well as tailored options depending on our client’s needs.
Our content is informative and interactive allowing participants to actively contribute to their training experience in a safe environment as they develop cultural confidence. Participants hear firsthand about lived experiences, both good and bad, that support positive social change and contribute to building greater diversity, inclusion and equality.
We deliver our sessions in person and online.
Some Key Learning Outcomes
An understanding of Aboriginal History, cultural practices and protocols
Historical events and their impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
Government policies and initiatives
Modern-day barriers affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations
Appropriate language, family structures and cultural considerations
Reconciliation action plans
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a framework for organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to contribute to reconciliation. It centres around the three pillars: Relationships, Respect and Opportunity.
RAPs are mutually beneficial to the Aboriginal community and organisations by increasing employment, procurement, cultural awareness and safety within the workplace.
Our Reconciliation Action Plan services include:
RAP development / implementation
RAP review / recommendations
RAP Working Group membership
Cultural Advice and Community Engagement
Consulting
We offer a range of consulting services including;
Cultural advice and guidance
Community consultation / engagement, establishment of specific Aboriginal networks
Cultural Audits & Surveys
Policy, Procedure and document review
Indigenous Strategies such as Procurement, Engagement, Employment
Cultural research and review services
Cultural event consultation i.e. NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week
Cultural coaching and mentoring
Workshops
We can tailor workshop content to any client need. Some of our most popular workshops are as follows;
Lunch and Learn Sessions - “You Can’t Ask That!”
What is Reconciliation and Why?
What is a RAP, why do one?
Recruitment, Employment & Culturally Safe Workplaces
Acknowledgement of Country & Welcome to Country
Cultural Support / Mentoring
Workshops are facilitated either online or in person.
clients
What our clients say…
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Vicinity Centres
“ Seona James of Indigenous Cultural Connections has provided external advisory services to support Vicinity Centres’ Reconciliation Action Plan since 2018. Over this time, Seona has Co-Chaired our Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, delivered cultural training sessions, facilitated workshops, reviewed our workplace policies and continues to provide expert guidance to our team. Seona has our highest recommendation in all indigenous engagement matters. “ - Karen Woo, Sustainability Manager.
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FamilyCare
“ FamilyCare’s contact with Seona and Indigenous Cultural Connections, commenced in late 2020 and has navigated a pandemic and major flood emergency (with occasional online input from Leroy and Lola). The support has been fabulous, with Seona providing invaluable encouragement and guidance to our Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group. Seona’s Yorta Yorta heritage and deep local connections have also helped us to reflect on and enhance FamilyCare’s relationships. “ - David Tennant, CEO.
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John Holland
“ John Holland has a long and significant connection with Indigenous Cultural Connections. Seona and her team have delivered important cultural awareness and education training on various projects in Victoria and for our national team. The sessions go beyond just the delivering of information, they are passionate, thought-provoking, and importantly, invite attendees to act and make change. Seona has also contributed to strategy and planning on major infrastructure tenders, giving our team guidance, cultural insights, and support to ensure we are creating positive outcomes for the local Aboriginal community through increased participation, engagement, and procurement. It is a pleasure working with Seona and her team. “ - Greg Rafferty, Social Inclusion Manager.
