In recognition of National Reconciliation Week, LinkedIn has launched an integrated campaign spotlighting Indigenous voices who are driving important conversations around diversity and equality on the platform. LinkedIn worked with Indigenous creative consultancy Campfire X on various elements of the campaign.
The campaign leads with an emotive film sharing the stories of seven Indigenous professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries. Directed by Peter Kirk and produced by Cornel Ozies, the film highlights the voices of Indigenous professionals who share their personal challenges of walking in two worlds — their cultural and the corporate world, and actions that we can take to create a more inclusive workplace. The video will be promoted across LinkedIn’s owned and other paid social channels.
As part of the campaign, LinkedIn News Australia will highlight and publish content around reconciliation. To elevate voices of Indigenous Australians, LinkedIn is spotlighting a list of Indigenous professionals who are breaking stereotypes and shifting traditional perceptions that might be associated with Indigenous professionals in the workplace. These Indigenous professionals come from diverse industries and fields including science, finance, sports, law, academia, professional services, health, retail and business.
They are sharing great content on LinkedIn such as Benson Saulo’s musings as the first Indigenous Australian Consul General, based in Houston, Texas and Aboriginal Insights founder Jolleen Hicks’ advice on achieving cultural safety in the workplace. To be a better ally to the Indigenous community, LinkedIn is encouraging its members to follow and engage with the content that the Indigenous voices are publishing.
Renowned Indigenous journalist and author Stan Grant will take over as a guest editor of the LinkedIn News Australia page during Reconciliation Week delivering a LinkedIn Live session with other members from the Indigenous community and sparking conversations around inclusion in workplaces.
LinkedIn has also commissioned Indigenous artist Alysha Menzel to create artwork that will be used for LinkedIn profile background, social assets and employee programs promoting reconciliation.
LinkedIn’s social agency GROUND worked across the campaign to engage the community with content throughout the week. Part of this includes mobilising members to participate in Reconciliation Australia’s efforts by joining the ”National Acknowledgement of Country” — acknowledging the land they live, work, learn, and socialise on using #NRW2021.
Shiva Kumar, head of brand marketing and communications, LinkedIn Australia & New Zealand, said, “Listening to diverse voices and engaging in conversations is key to connecting as a community. We compiled the Indigenous voices list so you can follow the members who inspire you, helping to create a feed enriched with diverse content. Our aim is to amplify Indigenous voices so they can lead conversations with the wider community on reconciliation and creating an inclusive workplace.”
Peter Kirk, founder of Campfire X, said, “Indigenous voices need to be heard to foster diversity in our community. Platforms like LinkedIn can help breakdown stereotypes so we can increase representation of Indigenous talent in the workplace and contribute to driving meaningful conversations around creating an environment that is safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.
