Since I advocate for decolonised, participatory, intersectional, and inclusive approaches to our work, my company must also practice these values at the organisation level. These are my decolonised principles for running The SMC Group, also taken from the Company Handbook. They are a foundation for my JEDI+ work that targets a decolonised approach.

These lists of values [please see the others on feminist, participatory, and queer values] were directly inspired by my toxic experiences in private philanthropy and Open Society Foundations in particular. I saw first-hand what not to do, so my work calls on our sector to put in the work and do better rather than pay lip service to performative allyship.

Indigenous Rights and Representation

• Recognise and respect the rights of Indigenous communities, including their sovereignty, land rights, and cultural practices. Actively seek out and do the research required to understand the relevant indigenous communities where we work and live.
• Ensure meaningful representation and inclusion of Indigenous voices in decision-making processes at all levels of the organisation, including undoing harmful practices perpetuated by groups in power within the context.

Knowledge Decolonisation

• Challenge and deconstruct colonial knowledge systems by valuing and incorporating diverse knowledge sources, including Indigenous knowledge and epistemologies. Rethink what constitutes data and why.
• Facilitate sharing knowledge and learning in ways that challenge power imbalances and promote mutual respect and understanding, focusing on language and culture groups.
• Support research and educational initiatives that aim to decolonise knowledge production and promote alternative perspectives.
• Foster partnerships with Indigenous scholars, experts, and organisations, especially within each context, to advance decolonised knowledge within the organisation and broader society.

Cultural Respect and Sensitivity

• Foster a culture of respect and sensitivity towards diverse cultures, traditions, and ways of being.
• Develop cultural competency training for employees to deepen their understanding of historical and ongoing colonial legacies and their impact on marginalised communities.
• Integrate cultural protocols and practices into organisational policies and events, respecting and centring diverse cultural perspectives.
• Avoid appropriating or commodifying Indigenous cultures and traditional knowledge; promote equitable and mutually beneficial partnerships.

Land Stewardship and Environmental Justice

• Embrace sustainable practices that prioritise environmental justice and respect for Indigenous lands and territories.
• Collaborate with Indigenous communities in land and resource management decisions, ensuring their rights and traditional knowledge are valued and incorporated.
• Implement environmentally responsible policies and practices that minimise harm to ecosystems and respect the interconnectedness of all life forms.
• Support and invest in initiatives that address environmental racism and the impacts of colonial exploitation on marginalised communities. Actively advocate for environmental justice and climate change initiatives in your contexts.

Economic Equity and Empowerment

• Promote economic equity by ensuring fair and inclusive economic opportunities for marginalised communities, including Indigenous peoples.
• Establish procurement policies prioritising working with local and Indigenous businesses, supporting economic empowerment and self-determination.
• Provide resources and support for entrepreneurship and skill development initiatives that benefit marginalised groups.
• Foster partnerships with Indigenous communities to create sustainable economic models that align with their cultural values and aspirations.

Restorative Justice and Reconciliation

• Acknowledge and address historical injustices and traumas inflicted upon Indigenous peoples and marginalised communities.
• Apologise for the toxic and harmful behaviours of your organisation, its leadership, or any other element related to its history. Especially relevant for organisations that operate in formerly colonised lands and faith-based groups.
• Support truth and reconciliation processes, including reparations and restitution, to promote healing and justice.
• Collaborate with Indigenous organisations and communities to implement restorative justice practices within the organisation and broader society.
• Invest in initiatives that facilitate cultural revitalisation and the restoration of Indigenous languages, traditions, and cultural practices.

Collaborative Partnerships and Community Engagement

• Foster authentic and collaborative partnerships with Indigenous communities, recognising their expertise and autonomy.
• Engage in ongoing consultation and consent-based decision-making processes with Indigenous communities regarding projects and initiatives that may affect them.
• Support community-led development projects that align with the aspirations and priorities of Indigenous peoples.
• Regularly assess and evaluate the impact of organisational initiatives on Indigenous communities, ensuring accountability and responsiveness to their needs and concerns.