OREANDA-NEWS. July 07, 2015. Rio Tinto today joins the national push for constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by formally signing on to the Recognise campaign.

Rio Tinto Iron Ore and Australia chief executive Andrew Harding said “Joining Recognise is an important next step in the company's reconciliation journey, which began more than 20 years ago when our business acknowledged native title and started seeking to work in active partnership with Indigenous Australians.”

“The debate that will unfold as the country moves towards a referendum is an opportunity for every Australian to learn more about Indigenous cultures and our country’s early history.”

“It is an opportunity to reflect on why it is important to recognise the long history of Indigenous people in Australia and a chance to acknowledge that our shared national identity is founded strongly in Australia’s unique and enduring Indigenous cultures.”

“Rio Tinto wants to be a part of this important discussion and to help build a better public understanding of the importance of constitutional recognition. It is time to recognise Indigenous Australians as the first inhabitants of Australia in our Constitution, to acknowledge the first chapter of our nation’s history.”

Recognise joint campaign director Tanya Hosch said “We are very pleased to see Rio Tinto show its support for the intention of the Recognise campaign. I hope it inspires others to declare their formal support as well.

“Across every part of society, we need to see this sort of leadership - with people and institutions taking responsibility to support a step forward that will be good for the country and which reflects those values of recognition, respect and ensuring there is no place for discrimination.”

The Recognise movement is raising awareness of the need to end the exclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from the Australian Constitution and deal with racial discrimination.

Rio Tinto is one of the largest private sector employers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with more than 1,600 Indigenous employees and hundreds of additional Indigenous contractors.

Rio Tinto's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy is focused on recognition, respect and inclusion.

Visit recognise.org.au to support the campaign.

About Rio Tinto’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement

  • Rio Tinto takes a holistic and lifecycle approach to Indigenous employment that includes investment in and support for programs in early childhood development/literacy, school attendance and retention programs, work readiness and skills training, mentoring, pathways programs and higher education initiatives – as well as jobs.
  • Rio Tinto currently supports 50 Indigenous tertiary students with their studies and 200 Indigenous apprentices, trainees and graduates in our Australian business.
  • Working with Traditional Owners, Rio Tinto has recorded more than 28,000 heritage sites across Australia.
  • Rio Tinto has trained more than 12,000 employees in cultural awareness training delivered by Traditional Owners.
  • Rio Tinto is working with 80 Indigenous businesses across Australia.
  • Next week, Rio Tinto will support and actively participate in 50 National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) events.