Indigenous strategy

The Faculty of Arts is committed to benefitting the peoples, cultures and economies of Melbourne, Australia, the Region and the world. The Faculty recognises that to have this impact it must be transformed by recognising and engaging the ways of knowing held by Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander peoples, on whose land we work.

Students and Dr Margaret Williams Weir

Overview

In line with the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan, the Faculty of Arts strategy commits to:

  1. Champion the aspirations of Indigenous peoples
  2. Continue to develop its core purpose, policies and outputs through a co-led program of reconciliation and co-production
  3. Value, support and promote Indigenous research
  4. Encourage mutually beneficial collaborations between staff, students, and Indigenous communities
  5. Increase Indigenous recruitment and retention at all levels; and
  6. Foster an environment in which the relationship between Indigenous peoples and their fellow Australians is characterised by a deep mutual respect, leading to positive change in our nation’s culture and capacity

The Faculty of Arts has developed a Divisional Indigenous Development Plan to support the implementation of these commitments, including initiatives that support Indigenous undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, professional and academic staff.

The University of Melbourne acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which of our campuses are situated. We pay our respects to their Elders both past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have made a contribution to the life of the University community.

For more information about the University’s Indigenous Initiatives please visit Murrup Barak (Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development).

Murrup Barak website

Teaching

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. As an Indigenous Studies graduate, you will acquire a deep understanding of what it means to be Indigenous locally – outback or in a city – while becoming properly qualified and equipped to enter any Indigenous social, political or economic context, globally.

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Aboriginal flag flying over the University of Melbourne
Indigenous Research

Research

Indigenous Postdoctoral Fellowships

The four-year Faculty of Arts Indigenous Postdoctoral Fellowship provides the opportunity for an Indigenous Australian researcher who has recently completed or close to completing a PhD. The fellowship is designed to support early career transition and the establishment of a strong research track record. The fellowship is advertised every second year (next round 2022) and awarded to up to two candidates who have a developed project in the humanities or social sciences.

Research Unit for Indigenous Language

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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Support


For more information on how the Faculty of Arts can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff please contact:

Arts Indigenous Portfolio

Email: arts-indigenous@unimelb.edu.au

Indigenous students on the University of Melbourne campus