Being a TRUE First Nations Ally: Are You in an ‘Allyship’ or a ‘Situationship’?
Allyship is a word we hear often, but what does it truly mean to be an ally to First Nations communities? The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines an ally as “one that is associated with another as a helper: a person or group that provides assistance and support in an ongoing effort, activity, or struggle."
This definition feels simple – even comforting. Perhaps you already think of yourself as an ally because you support Indigenous peoples and communities through the words you say, the events you attend or the content you engage with online. But real allyship runs much deeper than surface-level actions. Are your efforts actually reflective of meaningful allyship, or do they fall into the category of performative support—a situationship disguised as allyship?
Being a true ally requires courage, introspection, and genuine humility. It demands that you challenge your own perceptions, biases, and intentions. This blog is your guide to understanding what it means to show up authentically for First Nations peoples and communities, emphasising self-awareness, the deconstruction of ego, and prioritising the agency and needs of others before your own.
What Is Allyship?
True allyship centers on consistent, intentional actions that foster trust and support. It means standing beside First Nations peoples in their fight for justice, equity, and sovereignty while recognising that this work seeks to uplift their voices—not yours.
Allyship vs. Situationship
Here’s the distinction you need to consider:
Allyship entails deliberate, selfless participation in the ongoing struggles of First Nations communities. Allies aim to amplify Indigenous voices while fully acknowledging their privilege and positionality.
Situationship refers to performative allyship—a superficial relationship where the appearance of support is prioritised over genuine action and understanding. Actions in a situationship are often motivated by ego or public recognition rather than authentic engagement.
To assess where you stand, ask yourself:
Are you educating yourself about First Nations histories and cultures outside of awareness campaigns and social movements?
Have you taken actionable steps to contribute to correcting systemic disadvantages faced by First Nations peoples in your community, workplace or sphere of influence?
Are your actions motivated by a desire to centre First Nations voices and experiences, or are they motivated by a desire to use First Nations voices and experiences to elevate and amplify your own reputation or public persona?
If these questions feel uncomfortable to answer, that’s a critical sign to dig deeper.
Self-Reflection as the Foundation of Allyship
Allyship isn’t a badge you earn—it’s a lifelong practice. And like all meaningful practices, this one begins with self-reflection. Here’s where you can start:
Acknowledge Your Privilege: Being an ally requires examining how your identity has afforded you opportunities, often at the expense of others. Acknowledging privilege isn’t an act of guilt; it’s about understanding your place in a systemic framework of inequity so that you can use your position to dismantle it.
Example: If you’ve never had to think about who “owns” the land you walk on, that’s a privilege afforded by settler colonialism. Familiarise yourself with the Country that you stand on, the Traditional Custodians and the historical injustices that happened so that you could ‘occupy’ the land your are on.
Challenge Your Biases: Biases—whether explicit or unconscious—shape how we interpret and engage with the world. Being an ally means consistently interrogating your assumptions to uncover ingrained prejudices.
Example: Consider how stereotypes might influence your perception of First Nations communities. Do you rely on outdated narratives or are you listening to authentic, contemporary Indigenous perspectives? Some of the most common stereotypes about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples are listed below, and, if you secretly agreed with any of these while reading, it’s probably time to challenge your biases:
they are drunks
they are violent
they are uneducated
they are criminals
they are dole bludgers
they are handed everything on a silver platter
they are lazy and don’t want to work.
Shed your ego: True allyship requires humility. Recognise that this work isn’t about you. Stepping back to allow Indigenous voices to take the lead requires suppressing the urge to centre yourself in the narrative.
Example: Instead of posting a social media photo of you attending a protest, think about how that post benefits First Nations communities. Would it be more impactful to share an underrepresented First Nations perspective or to highlight actionable resources for your audience?
Becoming an Advocate Through Action
Self-awareness is vital, but allyship doesn’t stop there. Advocacy is about taking thoughtful, practical actions that contribute to systemic change. Here’s how you can elevate your allyship:
Support First Nations Businesses and Artists: Buying from Indigenous-owned businesses or commissioning work from First Nations artists can create meaningful economic impact. Take care to respect cultural protocols around intellectual property by ensuring proper licensing and permissions.
Example: If you’re purchasing First Nations art, work directly with trusted marketplaces that ensure fair compensation to artists, rather than third-party retailers.
Demand Change in Your Workplace: Too often, First Nations voices are missing from organisational leadership and decision-making roles. Advocate for internal policies that promote equity and representation.
Example: Push for hiring practices that prioritise Indigenous talent, and work to create a culturally safe environment for their contributions.
Educate Yourself—and Don’t Rely on Others to Do It for You: Learning about First Nations histories, struggles and cultures is your responsibility as an ally. Take the initiative to seek out books, articles, podcasts, and documentaries created by Indigenous voices.
Recommended Reading: Talking to My Country by Stan Grant and Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe offer essential perspectives on Indigenous experiences in Australia.
Use Your Platform to Amplify: Whether you’re in a position of influence or simply have a social media account, use your platform to spotlight First Nations voices and causes. Share grassroots fundraising efforts, events, or petitions that need visibility.
Example: Follow and share the work of Indigenous organisations like the National Native Title Council, Clothing the Gaps or IndigenousX.
Tips for Sustainable Allyship
Allyship is a continuous commitment. Here are key ways to sustain your efforts over time:
Listen First: Center Indigenous voices and prioritise learning over speaking.
Be Open to Criticism: Accept feedback graciously and use it to improve.
Seek Accountability: Collaborate with like-minded individuals or groups to hold yourself accountable for ongoing allyship.
Actionable Next Steps to Strengthen Your Allyship
Becoming an ally to First Nations communities isn’t a title you claim but a practice you embody. Here’s how you can take immediate steps toward deeper allyship:
Research whose land you live on and actively participate in, encourage and respect Acknowledgements of Country that recognise the Traditional Owners.
Donate to initiatives supporting First Nations education, health, and sovereignty.
Reach out to First Nations organisations and ask how you can support their work respectfully.
Continue learning, listening, and amplifying Indigenous voices in your everyday life.
True allyship challenges you—not Indigenous communities—to step up. It’s a role you take on without hesitation or expectation of recognition, because standing in solidarity against inequity isn’t a choice—it’s a responsibility.
