First Nations NSW Confirmation & Connection
Create NSW has expanded the way ‘confirmation of Aboriginality’ is verified. We want to respect the different ways First Nations NSW people connect with their cultural heritage and Aboriginality through their arts and cultural practice.
Confirmation of Aboriginality often requires formal documentation or recognition by an external body. On the other hand, confirmation of community and cultural connection requires evidence of genuine ties to a community, shown through endorsements from community leaders, participation in cultural activities, kinship verification, and an understanding of the responsibility to safeguard traditional knowledge, cultural expressions, and heritage. By requiring evidence of both Confirmation and Connection, Create NSW aims to uphold the authenticity and fairness of the funding and support systems, fostering trust and respect within First Nations communities.
First Nations NSW Confirmation & Connection is a flexible approach that combines observations of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1997 (NSW), the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Commonwealth) - together referred to as the Anti-Discrimination Legislation - and the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) with the five principles outlined in the Create NSW Aboriginal Arts & Culture Protocols. It values community recognition, cultural knowledge and practices, cultural exchange and engagement, connection to land, commitment to community development, and respect for cultural diversity.
It recognises cultural connection is deeply personal, relational, and complex. It is more than formal documentation and is often expressed through arts and cultural practice.
First Nations NSW Confirmation & Connection guidelines
Before you start the application, it’s important to understand the guidelines Create NSW use for the funding program. The guidelines are designed to acknowledge and respect the diverse ways in which First Nations NSW and Torres Strait Islander people connect with their cultural heritage and express their Aboriginality. It is recommended you go through each element, and consider how you can demonstrate your alignment with it:
| Type | Evidence required if requested For example. Sample of previous project or collaborations, video confirmation from elders, letters/ emails of support or confirmation. |
|---|---|
| Do you have a kinship connection to a specific First Nations NSW community or land, or Torres Strait Islander community? | You may be asked to provide evidence, identification, or community acceptance at the contracting stage or if requested by the First Nations NSW Artform Board. |
| Does your artform or practice reflect your First Nations NSW and Torres Strait Islander community? | You may be asked to provide a letter of support from a First Nations NSW or Torres Strait Islander organisation, Elders, or community leaders at the contracting stage or if requested by the First Nations NSW Artform Board. |
| Does your knowledge of cultural heritage, traditions, and practices, inform your artform or practice? | You may be asked to provide evidence of knowledge of First Nations language, involvement in First Nations arts or crafts, teaching or leadership roles within the community, or permissions granted and protections implemented to be working with ICIP at the contracting stage or if requested by the First Nations NSW Artform Board. |
| Does your artform or practice actively engage and contribute to cultural exchange and community development? | You may be asked to provide evidence of involvement in community projects, advocacy work, or other contributions that benefit community at the contracting stage or if requested by the First Nations NSW Artform Board. |
| Does your artform or practice acknowledge the diversity of First Nations NSW and Torres Strait Islander cultures and the identities and experiences of other First Nations NSW and Torres Strait Islander communities? | You may be asked to provide evidence at the contracting stage or if requested by the First Nations NSW Artform Board. |
See also Aboriginal Arts and Culture Protocols
See Create NSW Funding for First Nations NSW arts and culture