Indigenous Rules of Engagement: The Definitive Guide to First Nations Engagement in Australia

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Shannon Best

Indigenous Rules of Engagement

Name: Indigenous Rules of Engagement
Price: 16.99 AUD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781923514461

The Definitive Guide to First Nations Engagement in Australia

Shannon Best

$16.99

Paperback

In stock
Ready to ship

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English

Big Sky Publishing
31 March 2026

History; Social discrimination; First Nations; Regional government

True reconciliation begins with respect — and respect begins with understanding.

Across Australia, conversations about reconciliation, cultural awareness, and genuine partnership are growing louder—but true understanding still feels out of reach. Indigenous Rules of Engagement is a timely, transformative guide that helps bridge that gap.

Born from years of working within government and alongside community leaders, this book translates experience into practical wisdom. It offers clear, grounded pathways for engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in ways that honour culture, history, and spirit.

Rather than presenting rigid rules, it shares flexible insights drawn from lived experience—exploring Country, custodianship, leadership, and the vital role of cultural protocols. It shines a light on overlooked stories such as the hidden generation and invites readers to confront the legacies of the past while shaping more respectful futures.

At its heart lies a simple but powerful principle: Nothing About Us Without Us. Meaningful engagement happens when Indigenous voices are not only heard but lead the way.

With cultural engagement now embedded in education, design, governance, and corporate practice, Indigenous Rules of Engagement arrives at the perfect time. It is both a call to action and a practical guide for anyone seeking to move beyond tokenism toward genuine, lasting collaboration.

Whether you are a policymaker, architect, educator, or simply someone ready to listen and learn, this book offers the insight, empathy, and courage to walk together on the path of respect.

‘A must-read for anyone committed to walking alongside Indigenous peoples with humility, courage, and care.’

‘Essential reading for professionals and changemakers striving to create respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities.’

By: Shannon Best
Imprint: Big Sky Publishing
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 5,842mm, Width: 3,886mm,
ISBN: 9781923514461
ISBN 10: 1923514466
Pages: 128
Publication Date: 31 March 2026
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Shannon Best is a respected Aboriginal leader, artist, and engagement specialist with deep cultural ties to the Yugambeh region of Southeast Queensland. As the General Manager of the Yugambeh Museum and First Nations Engagement Lead in regional planning for the Queensland Government, Shannon works at the intersection of cultural heritage, policy, and community development. He has led groundbreaking engagement projects across multiple sectors—including infrastructure, water planning, arts, and heritage—ensuring Traditional Owners and Elders are meaningfully involved in decision-making. Shannon is also the founder of several successful global businesses, a two-time world champion athlete, and a three-time Hall of Fame inductee. With decades of experience navigating institutions and advocating for cultural integrity, Shannon brings a lived understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of Indigenous engagement. His work continues to influence policy, uplift community voices, and guide organisations across Australia toward more ethical and authentic relationships with Aboriginal people.