What is an Imperfect Ally?

Non-Aboriginal members of SWTA refer to themselves as “Imperfect Allies”.

Why? Being an ally is not an identity or status or an end-state.  It is a lifelong journey of learning, unlearning, listening and self-reflection, and no one is going to be perfect at it. We will make mistakes and get it wrong, but the important thing is to get over it and not repeat those mistakes or perpetuate more harms. That is why we use the term “Imperfect Ally”.

It is a commitment to critical thinking and challenging the unconscious bias and internal racism that is part of the legacy of being a white person in a colonised country.

Allies are not saviours. They are committed to walking alongside Aboriginal communities and truly respecting and amplifying their voices. Allies speak out against prejudice and systems that are unjust wherever they can – such as at home, in their communities, and in their workplace.

Being an ally means:

• turning up when we are needed and knowing when to step back
• challenging ignorance and mobilising more allies
• being part of the change, and
• supporting the self-determination and sovereignty of First Nations Peoples of this country.