The Mobile Language Team takes a community-first approach to our work. Our work is also guided by best-practice protocols for the maintenance and preservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage and language materials.

As our work takes us across the state and beyond, we engage with a broad range of Aboriginal communities and always seek to respect local protocols. In addition, we operate under the collective wisdom and guidance of our Aboriginal Policy and Advocacy Committee (MLT APAC). A primary function of this committee is to ensure that the MLT observes best-practice methods for engagement in our dealings with Aboriginal individuals, families, communities, and organisations. Our work is also informed by the approaches advocated by leading Aboriginal research and community organisations.

Our approach is based around the three major pillars of practice: transparency, recognition, and community.

TRANSPARENCY

All our activities with Aboriginal communities are transparent in motivation, engagement, methods, and outputs. Informed consent is fundamental to the Mobile Language Team’s approach. We take seriously the need for all work to be clearly explained and negotiated in advance and in good faith. Moreover, the implications, benefits, and consequences this work will have on both individuals and communities involved is openly discussed.

RECOGNITION

All our activities with Aboriginal communities recognise the ownership, practices, and beliefs of our partners. We recognise the right of Aboriginal people to have their cultural heritage materials protected and for individuals, families, and communities to exercise sovereignty with respect to these materials. The Mobile Language Team seeks to remain neutral and fair in all our work with Aboriginal community stakeholders.

COMMUNITY

All our activities with Aboriginal communities are guided and directed by the Aboriginal community the activity serves. Community is at the heart of all the work done by the Mobile Language Team. Our approach is community centred and responds to the needs and wants of Aboriginal individuals, families, and communities. During the course of work conducted by the Mobile Language Team, new language and cultural materials are produced and maintained. These materials are archived and stored by the Mobile Language Team on behalf of partner communities, and access to these materials is governed by community guidance and advice.

See our full 2025-2032 Strategic Plan.

Further Information:

Anyone seeking access to these materials held by the Mobile Language Team, on behalf of communities, must seek formal approval through the rightful community owners of these materials. For help with this process please contact the Mobile Language Team at info@mobilelanguageteam.com.au or call us (08) 8313 0707.

The policies, procedures and practices surrounding access to language and cultural material are determined by the Mobile Language Team Aboriginal Policy and Advisory Committee. This committee is made up of members of the Aboriginal communities of South Australia and broadly advises the Mobile Language Team about their community activities.

If you would like to find out more about the MLT APAC please email info@mobilelanguageteam.com.au or call us (08) 8313 0707.

To find out more about specific cultural research protocols and ethics please visit these peak organisations guides:

AIATSIS Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies
Australian Linguistic Society Policies and Related Documents
Australian Anthropological Society Code of Ethics
Arts Law Centre of Australia – Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property