The Future Making for First Nations Strategy is here
Mankurriapinthi, Bring together in Kaurna language, is the name of the new Future Making for First Nations Strategy of the University of Adelaide. Led by Professor Steve Larkin, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Engagement and supported by Wirltu Yarlu, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander unit of the University of Adelaide, the new strategy is an evidence-based approach document that provides the opportunity for the whole University community to critically reflect upon its role and responsibility in ensuring First Nations access, participation, and success.
Warumunga/Yuggera man David Booth from Imbala dance group at the First Nations Strategy launch during July.
This trailblazing strategic blueprint strives to define a sustainable, effective Indigenous portfolio within the University. It’s the result of 18 months of extensive research and literature review conducted both domestically and globally, internal consultation with executive members of the University and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and students and external consultation with community and leading universities across Australia recognised for their excellence in First Nations access, participation and success.
The plan aims to magnify First Nations voices, celebrate First Nations achievements, and foster transformative change. “We envision a University where First Nations access, participation, and success are not only the prerogative of a select few but a collective, university-wide responsibility”, says Professor Larkin. “This resonates through our plan's foundational elements and strategic pillars, acknowledging the interconnectivity of community engagement, education innovation, and cultural change.”
Imbala dance group performs at the First Nations Strategy launch.
This strategic plan recognises First Nations' success as a holistic endeavour and focuses on creating robust governance and cultural foundations for transformative change. The plan emphasises Indigenising the curriculum and enhancing Indigenous education strategies, reinforced through cultural capability training for staff. It stresses the importance of establishing visible, dedicated First Nations cultural spaces on campus for cultural recognition and activity.
The strategy also lends substantial importance to First Nations research, advocating for a consultative approach with communities to identify ethical research priorities. This approach aims to deepen understanding of First Nations data sovereignty and Indigenous research methodologies.
This strategic plan recognises First Nations' success as a holistic endeavour and focuses on creating robust governance and cultural foundations for transformative change. The plan emphasises Indigenising the curriculum and enhancing Indigenous education strategies, reinforced through cultural capability training for staff. It stresses the importance of establishing visible, dedicated First Nations cultural spaces on campus for cultural recognition and activity.
“We plan to revisit our Indigenous workforce targets, infusing them with incentives to foster job creation and workforce capability development. Also, at the heart of our strategic priorities is deep, sustained community engagement and promoting opportunities for international First Nations cultural engagement,” adds Professor Larkin.
We invite you to join us as we embark on this transformative journey into a future where First Nations voices resonate louder and clearer and where their achievements illuminate the path towards a more inclusive, diverse University landscape.
