Black cladding: our policy

At the Healthy Forests Foundation, we are committed to integrity, transparency and respect. That includes being clear about who we are – and who we are not.

We are not a First Nations organisation. We are a charity dedicated to restoring the health of Australia’s forests. We believe the best way to do that is in genuine partnership with the First Nations knowledge holders whose stewardship has shaped these ecosystems for millennia.

What is black cladding?

Black cladding refers to the practice of falsely claiming Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identity, affiliation, endorsement or co-design – either explicitly or by implication – to gain a benefit. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Claiming to be a First Nations organisation when that is not the case
• Using cultural imagery, language or motifs to imply affiliation
• Listing First Nations partners, advisors or Traditional Owners without consent
• Falsely claiming that projects are co-developed or Indigenous-led
• Misrepresenting the role of First Nations people or organisations in funding applications

Black cladding is unethical. It undermines First Nations self-determination, misappropriates Indigenous cultural and intellectual property, and erodes trust.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to black cladding. We will not engage in it, enable it, or benefit from it – directly or indirectly.

Our position and commitments

We do not speak for or represent First Nations people. We acknowledge that First Nations knowledge is cultural and intellectual property. It is not ours to claim, interpret or use without permission. When knowledge is shared with us, we treat it with respect and confidentiality. First Nations People contributing knowledge must be remunerated fairly unless the knowledge is freely contributed through formal or informal partnership, shared collaboration or by a member.

We believe the perspectives and experience of First Nations People are critical to the management and restoration of forests and wish to be an ally in supporting Custodianship. We will share general information about the perspectives of First Nations People or specific guidance related to our areas of activity if shared with us for this purpose by our members, employees or partners. We will also promote research and material authored by First Nations People as part of our public information agenda. This is for the purpose of amplifying these voices, not appropriation.

Our ethical commitments include:

• Engaging First Nations Elders, organisations or knowledge holders at the earliest stage, and ensuring they are part of decision-making
• Ensuring any formal partnerships First Nations People are based on free, prior and informed consent
• Respecting the right of Traditional Owners to say no
• Prioritising First Nations-led and operated businesses for on-Country work and services
• Creating employment and training opportunities for First Nations people wherever possible
• Supporting long-term forest stewardship by First Nations communities, under their guidance and governance
• Ensuring First Nations collaborators are appropriately recognised, resourced and remunerated

Due diligence and partner expectations

We will apply rigorous due diligence when working with partners, consultants or contractors who claim First Nations identity or relationships. Where relevant, we will seek:

• Confirmation of identity, community recognition or appropriate authority
• Written agreements documenting roles, responsibilities and consent
• Evidence of genuine co-design and equitable benefit-sharing

If black cladding is suspected within a partnership or funding arrangement, we will take prompt action. This may include terminating contracts, withdrawing applications, or reporting misconduct to the appropriate body.

Cultural capability and accountability

We are committed to building an organisation that is safe, capable and respectful in its engagement with First Nations peoples. This includes:

• Seeking guidance from cultural advisors or Traditional Owner groups
• Embedding First Nations knowledge and leadership in governance structures where appropriate

Alignment with rights and standards

This policy aligns with:

• The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)
• Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles
• The National Agreement on Closing the Gap, including Priority Reform 3: transforming government organisations
• Any relevant state or regional engagement frameworks

We recognise that restoring forests requires restoring relationships – with Country, with culture, and with the people who have cared for them for generations. For us, that means listening, learning and acting with integrity.

Black cladding has no place in our future.