EDO principles for work for First Nations peoples

In 2026, EDO consulted with more than 60 First Nations leaders, organisations and community representatives to determine what best practice looks like when supporting First Nations communities.

The message was clear. We must respect First Nations authority, build genuine relationships, prioritise cultural safety and be accountable.

From this consultation process, we built ten guiding principles that explain how we approach our work with First Nations clients and communities, and reflect our commitment to culturally safe, ethical and accountable legal work.

Our role at EDO as legal specialists in environmental and planning law is to walk alongside First Nations peoples, support self-determination, and help create the legal and policy settings needed for communities to exercise their rights and responsibilities to Country.

When First Nations peoples are empowered to care for Country, everyone benefits. Country is healthier, communities are stronger, and future generations are better protected.