Taplin Indigenous Bursary

Aboriginal staff and students at the University of Adelaide will have the opportunity to travel overseas to learn about indigenous research and teaching projects in other countries, thanks to the generosity of former Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), Emeritus Professor John Taplin.

The Taplin Indigenous Bursary for International Education has been established to assist indigenous students and staff at the University to undertake study programs with other First Nations peoples in countries like Canada and New Zealand.

Professor Taplin said he was motivated by both personal and professional reasons to establish the bursary.

His great grandfather, the Reverend George Taplin, pioneered ethnographic and linguistic studies with the Ngarrinderi people in South Australia and advocated strongly on their behalf in the early years following British colonisation of the State.

In his eight years as the first, full-time Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) for the University of Adelaide (2004-2011), Professor Taplin had the opportunity to observe how universities in Canada and New Zealand undertook research relating to their indigenous peoples.

“Both these countries are a step ahead of us in Australia, not only in their efforts to preserve the languages and culture of their indigenous peoples but also with their work on health issues and other social issues.

“The First Nations peoples of the world are typically dispossessed people. They have all suffered significant losses and disadvantages  as a result – like Aboriginal people in our country.

“Hopefully, by enabling our indigenous students and staff to exchange their insights and learn from their counterparts in other countries, we can improve the wellbeing of indigenous peoples in Australia and overseas.”

For more information on the bursary visit Wirltu Yarlu.