Legitimacy literacy

Understand where cultural legitimacy comes from and how it is recognised, tested, and eroded over time.

Structural judgement

Build confidence in distinguishing rights, interests, authority, and responsibility in complex decision-making environments.

Responsible action and restraint

Develop the discipline to know when to act, when to pause, and when deeper frameworks or advice are required.

About the course

This course examines cultural legitimacy as a structural condition, rather than a personal attribute or engagement outcome. It focuses on how legitimacy is grounded in First Nations rights, cultural authority, and integrity, and why these foundations matter for organisational decisions. Moving beyond awareness-based approaches, the course clarifies why legitimacy cannot be assumed, generated, or transferred through process alone. It explores where legitimacy commonly breaks down and the risks that emerge when action outpaces authority or understanding. Designed as a foundational learning experience, the course builds shared language, clarity, and responsibility for professionals working in or around First Nations contexts or whose decisions may impact First Nations peoples and organisations. Self-paced online course To complete in one sitting, the time commitment is approximately 90 minutes.

Curriculum

5 Chapters · 42 Lessons

  1. 1

    Framing Cultural Legitimacy

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Defining Cultural Legitimacy

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      What Cultural Legitimacy Is Not

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Legitimacy, Authority, and Power

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Why Legitimacy Is a Precondition

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Organisational Responsibility

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      What We’ve Learned / What’s Next

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 1 Quiz

  2. 2

    Rights, Interests, and Cultural Authority

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      First Nations Rights

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Rights and Interests

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Cultural Authority

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Operating Within Rights and Authority

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Implications for Organisations

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      What We’ve Learned / What’s Next

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 2 Quiz

  3. 3

    Where Legitimacy Breaks Down

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Awareness Without Authority

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Substitution and Proxy Authority

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Intent as a Defence

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Process Over Substance

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Accumulated Erosion

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      What We’ve Learned / What’s Next

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 3 Quiz

  4. 4

    Integrity as the Measure of Legitimacy

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Integrity and Legitimacy

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Authenticity

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Accountability

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Reciprocity

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Transparency and Consistency

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      What We’ve Learned / What’s Next

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 4 Quiz

  5. 5

    Maturity, Responsibility, and Readiness

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Welcome

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Cultural Legitimacy as Maturity

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Role-Based Responsibility

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Readiness and Restraint

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Signals for Escalation

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Individual Reflection

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      What We’ve Learned / What’s Next

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Module 5 Quiz

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Course Close

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Feedback Form

What Makes FNA Courses Different

Built from firsthand institutional experience

Each course is grounded in the real-world reforms that have shaped national policy, ESG standards, and sector-wide accountability across finance, climate, and governance.

Designed for credibility

FNA courses focus on structural understanding and decision-making discipline, supporting professionals to navigate responsibility, risk, and accountability with clarity.

Aligned with international standards and Australian context

Courses draw on UNDRIP and related international instruments, interpreted through practical Australian governance, policy, and organisational settings.

Structural fluency - the ability to connect land, governance, finance, climate, and ESG into practical organisational strategy.

Created and delivered by the strategist behind the FNSAF, and national reform efforts recognised at both national and global policy tables.

No other provider combines this depth of insight with this level of institutional and cultural authority.

Ready to dive into Cultural Legitimacy?

Take the next step towards understanding cultural legitimacy and driving positive change in your workplace. Individual price: $299 Small team (<10): price: $1,599 Unlimited org licence: $4,999

Enroll now