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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives

This guide provides information and resources for supporting Indigenous knowledge in teaching and research practices.

Acknowledgement of Country

artworkRMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

Image: Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo. All rights reserved

Variance in terminology

RMIT University Library acknowledges that discrimination and prejudice are expressed through language and that attitudes and cultural values are evident in the way we choose words. This library guide has interchangeably used the terms Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Indigenous and First Nations. We did not always choose the words, but rather the resource being referred to uses those words. This library guide was constructed with the core value of respect.

Indigenous engagement at RMIT

Cultural competency

Uluru Statement from the Heart

uluru statementIn 2017 a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representatives from around Australia produced the Uluru Statement from the Heart. This landmark document calls for recognition of Aboriginal sovereignty, constitutional reform, a Makaratta (Treaty), truth-telling, and a voice to Parliament. Explore the Statement and its background.

"File:Uluru Statement.jpg" by BrownHoneyAnt is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Indigenous Cultural Competency in Australian Universities

Five principles guide the Indigenous Cultural Competency in Australian Universities Best Practice Framework:

  1. Indigenous people should be actively involved in university governance and management.
  2. All graduates of Australian universities will have the knowledge and skills necessary to interact in a culturally competent way with Indigenous communities.
  3. University research will be conducted in a culturally competent way in partnership with Indigenous participants.
  4. Indigenous staffing will be increased at all appointment levels and, for academic staff, across a wider variety of academic fields.
  5. Universities will operate in partnership with their Indigenous communities and will help disseminate culturally competent practices to the wider community.

"Indigenous Cultural Competency Framework" by Universities Australia is licensed under CC BY 4.0

Training

Books

Book cover attribution

Frawley, J., Russell, G., & Sherwood, J. (Eds.). (2020). Cultural competence and the higher education sector: Australian perspectives, policies and practice Springer. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Hill, B., Harris, J., & Bacchus, R. (Eds.). (2020) Teaching Aboriginal cultural competence: authentic approaches Springer.
Mayor, T. (2019). Finding the heart of the nation: the journey of the Uluru Statement towards voice, treaty and truth Hardie Grant Travel. Cover image © Tourism Australia. All rights reserved.