Underpinned by the principles of Reconciliation through its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Flinders University has established four Indigenous governance groups to progress and advance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement, both internally and externally.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) Associate Professor Simone Ulalka Tur says: “These inaugural governance groups demonstrate the importance of centring Indigenous educational and community aspirations and success within the landscape of the University.
“The foundations to Indigenous advancement are important, belonging as a community is paramount. As Indigenous people, we have skills and knowledge to offer.”
Elders’ Network
The newly formed Elders Network led by Elders on campus Uncle Lewis Yarluburka O’Brien, Aunty Pat Miller and Uncle Richard Fejo, meets monthly to engage with the University’s RAP, centre Indigenous Knowledges, perspectives and long-held philosophies, and support Indigenous staff and student success into the core business of the University.
The Elders Network provides cultural leadership on University initiatives, and centres cultural autonomy and well-being at the heart of their work.
At a recent Elders panel, Uncle Richard shared his perspective on reconciliation stating: “Reconciliation begins with oneself. It is about knowing want you want and going and getting it but it is also about the journey or how you go get it. There is no stronger power that the power one holds to define one’s self. Through being attentive we can create opportunities that were previously unseen.
“We need to listen to our Elders and the wisdom they offer because the past does hold many lessons for us today. We need to look at the past, listen for key messages and learn so we can speak with the wisdom of those before us. We do not need to repeat mistakes of the past but we can shape the future. Being respectful along our journey brings wind to our sails and helps us work together.”
Indigenous Advisory Council
An Indigenous Advisory Council (IAC) advisory group to the Vice-Chancellor has been established and met for the first time in October. The IAC provides broader Indigenous community and stakeholder input to Flinders University.
The IAC has an all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander membership. It includes the University’s Elders on campus, as well as external senior leaders drawn from key SA and NT public sector, private sector, non-for-profit, and community-controlled organisations. The IAC is integral to the University’s governance framework and provides advice to the University on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters across South Australia and the Northern Territory, including social, education and sectorial matters to improve the access, participation and outcomes of Indigenous people in higher education.
Professor Clare Pollock, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students), emphasised the significance of Indigenous governance and leadership within the University: “It’s important that Indigenous Elders and leaders play a key role in prioritising our Indigenous engagement.”
Reconciliation Action Plan Oversight Steering Committee
Co-chaired by Vice-President and Executive Dean of the College of Medicine and Public Health Professor Jonathan Craig and Associate Professor Tur, the newly formed Reconciliation Action Plan Oversight Steering Committee has leadership and oversight for the monitoring of implementation of the University’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan. It comprises senior staff within the University and Indigenous student membership.
Professor Craig shared his commitment to the journey of reconciliation and progressing its deliverables, saying: “Reconciliation is about building genuine relationships and reconceptualising the University’s structures to facilitate change in the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities”.
Tarrkarri-ana Indigenous Advisory Group
The Tarrkarri-ana Indigenous Advisory Group provides advice to the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) in relation to policies and programs that facilitate Indigenous student success. Tarrkarri-ana is a Kaurna word meaning ‘towards the future’ and encapsulates the role of the group to support and build a culture of excellence for Indigenous students at Flinders University.