ARTS INDIGENOUS aims to transform the Faculty of Arts through centering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Knowledges, and Perspectives.
Our work is structured in relation to organisational framework, strategies, and plans, such as but not limited to the Faculty of Arts Divisional Indigenous Development Plan 2024-2027 (DIDP) and Murmuk Djerring Indigenous Strategy 2023-2027 to achieve our goals.
Ngara Yumbin! (Hello, Everyone!)
Message from the Associate Dean Indigenous, Professor Sandra Phillips
Yari gari (welcome) to ARTS INDIGENOUS on the web! As Associate Dean Indigenous, I am in the privileged position of leading Indigenous Strategy across the Faculty of Arts. I support the Dean, Professor Jennifer Balint, and collaborate with the executive and all Faculty in driving positive impact through Indigenous Strategy. I also welcome Deputy Associate Dean Indigenous, Dr Lou Bennett AM (Senior Lecturer, Indigenous Studies, School of Social and Political Sciences), who has joined me to strengthen Indigenous Faculty Leadership.
About ARTS INDIGENOUS
The Faculty of Arts Divisional Indigenous Development Plan (DIDP) harnesses Faculty strength and resource to support University commitment to:
Ensure that our campuses are places in which all Indigenous peoples feel culturally safe and are treated with dignity and respect.
Engage with and learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and organisations.
Embed Indigenous cultures and knowledges in the University’s research, teaching and learning, and engagement activities.
Demonstrate an understanding of, and deep respect for, the traditions, heritage, knowledge, and perspectives of the many nations and language groups that make up Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia.
Reflect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage in the University’s physical environment.
Engage in a process of truth-telling about the University’s shared history with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to recognise the ongoing impact of colonial practices and the imposition of the dominant culture upon them.
Engagement
ARTS INDIGENOUS works in close collaboration with friends across the Faculty of Arts and with external networks and organisations to strengthen opportunities for Indigenous staff across all arrangements – academic, professional, and graduate researcher.
The Portfolio also seeks to increase non-Indigenous capability in relation to education and research that improves benefits for and with Indigenous colleagues and students.
Partners
ARTS INDIGENOUS fosters connections with community groups, government and non- government organisations, other universities and other external stakeholders to improve students experience and enrich research and engagement impact.
Friends within the faculty
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Indigenous Studies Program
Indigenous Studies at the University of Melbourne is an exciting interdisciplinary program that offers students an opportunity to learn about the history and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
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Research Unit for Indigenous Language (RUIL)
The Research Unit for Indigenous Language (RUIL) works with Indigenous communities across Australia and the region to expand and strengthen Indigenous language research, and to support efforts by communities to maintain their linguistic and cultural heritage.
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Robert Cripps Institute for Cultural Conservation
Australia's pre-eminent research innovation, education and commercialisation centre of excellence for the conservation and preservation of cultural material.
Friends across the university
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Willin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development
The Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to identify, recruit and support potential and practicing Indigenous artists to study and refine their academic and artistic skills at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music.
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Murrup Barak
Murrup Barak are dedicated to student success providing a safe, responsive and empowering service to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are interested in tertiary study and those who are currently enrolled at the University of Melbourne from undergraduate to post-doctoral degrees.
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Indigenous Knowledge Institute
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute at the University of Melbourne works to recognise the expertise of Indigenous knowledge holders, and aims to advance Indigenous knowledge research, build connections and develop engagement opportunities with Indigenous knowledge holders across Australia and throughout the world.
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Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity
The Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) is a transformative Indigenous- centred fellowship program based at the University of Melbourne and supported by Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland. They're building a dynamic network of Indigenous leaders and allies committed to driving Indigenous-led social change across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Pacific Island nations.
Our team
ARTS INDIGENOUS provides support to Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff and students in areas such as capability building, research impact, cultural protocols support, and Indigenous student success. Further information (UoM staff only) or contact arts-indigenous@unimelb.edu.au
Prof Sandra Phillips
Dr Lou Bennett
Dr Penny Holliday
Evan Lloyd
Teaka Williams
Acknowledgement of Country
On behalf of the Faculty of Arts, ARTS INDIGENOUS acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the unceded lands on which we work, learn and live:
The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples (Burnley, Fishermans Bend, Parkville, Southbank and Werribee campuses); The Yorta Yorta Nation (Dookie and Shepparton campuses); and, The Dja Dja Wurrung people (Creswick campus).
The Faculty of Arts also acknowledges and is grateful to the Traditional Owners, Elders and Knowledge Holders of all Indigenous nations and clans who have been instrumental in the University of Melbourne reconciliation journey.
We recognise the unique place held by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original owners and custodians of the lands, waterways, and skies across the Australian continent, with histories of continuous connection dating back more than 60,000 years.
We also acknowledge enduring Indigenous cultural practices of caring for Country.
We pay respect to Elders past and present and acknowledge the significance and impact of Indigenous Knowledges through the academy. As a community of researchers, teachers, professional staff and students, we are privileged to work with and learn from Indigenous colleagues and partners every day.
Adapted from Murmuk Djerring Indigenous Strategy 2023-2027