How Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Workers Can Deal with Toxic Workplaces | Know Your Worth Series

We begin by acknowledging the unceded lands on which we live, work, and dream.

Indigenous Job Match (IJM) pays deep and ongoing respect to the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters across this vast continent now called Australia. We acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples and First Nations of this country — the oldest continuing cultures on Earth. We honour their deep spiritual connection to Country, kin, law, language, culture, and story.

We pay our respects to Elders past who paved the way with resilience, resistance, and wisdom — those who survived colonisation, dispossession, and systemic injustice while continuing to hold culture strong. We honour the Elders present who carry that torch of knowledge, strength, and cultural authority — who teach, protect, and guide future generations. And we recognise the emerging Elders and young leaders who are rising — strong, proud, and sovereign — shaping a new future rooted in truth, justice, and self-determination.

We recognise that this land was never ceded. Always was. Always will be. Aboriginal land.

We also acknowledge the many diverse nations, language groups, and communities across this continent and surrounding islands — over 500 nations, each with their own distinct stories, laws, totems, and ways of being. We especially extend our heartfelt recognition to the Torres Strait Islander peoples of Zenadth Kes — who hold deep cultural ties to their sea Country, stretching from Mer to Badu, Saibai to Erub, and every island in between.

Your knowledge systems — grounded in sky, sea, songlines, and spirit — have endured despite every attempt to erase them. Your stories, lores, and languages are not only rich with meaning — they are living, breathing, and sacred. They are foundational to this land, and they are foundational to us.

At Indigenous Job Match, we are not here to tick boxes or write words that sit quietly on a page. Our acknowledgement is a commitment. A living promise. It means we walk with you. We centre you. We back you.

We exist because of you, and for you.

We acknowledge the pain and the truth — of stolen land, stolen children, stolen wages, and stolen futures. But we also hold space for the pride — the strength, the beauty, the resistance, and the excellence that has never been lost, only re-ignited.

We honour the brilliance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, carers, changemakers, artists, and storytellers — from the aunties running grassroots programs to the graduates, tradies, and CEOs breaking new ground. We honour your stories, your labour, and your spirit.

Every job posted, every employer we partner with, every resource we share — is built on a foundation of respect, equity, and cultural safety. We believe that First Nations people should not have to compromise culture to succeed in the workplace. We believe in systems built by mob, for mob — where your identity is not an add-on but a strength.

And so, to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — wherever you are reading this from, whatever your journey has been — we see you. We value you. We are walking beside you.

We acknowledge your pain. We celebrate your strength.

We honour your ancestors. We champion your future.

May this be a space where your stories are heard, your voices are respected, and your dreams are supported.

Always was. Always will be.

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