Talanoa is a concept that is shared among many Pacific-indigenous languages and cultural practices across Oceania. In essence, Talanoa describes a shared approach that promotes the ability to create a safe space for individuals to come together to share and hold space. Through this process, we practise other key concepts that support a relationally driven approach that upholds a collective way of knowing and doing, being and becoming. Individuals are positioned as playing a vital role in their broader family, community, and societal settings, provoking a sense of belonging and inclusion.

This chapter explores the Talanoa concept as a foundation to support social work across teaching, practice, policy, and research. A deeper understanding and appreciation for the meaningful inclusion of such indigenous concepts into modern settings, both educationally and socially, will be discussed. The need to support a whole-of-community and collegial approach to sustain First Nations’ views, values, and perspectives will be proposed, leading to the scope to create sustained solutions toward fair and just societies.