Document Type
Report
Publication Title
National Reconciliation Week Event: Post-Referendum: What’s Next for Universities? (Murdoch University in collaboration with Edith Cowan University and James Cook University, 27/05/2024)
Publisher
Murdoch University
School
Kurongkurl Katitjin
Abstract
In 2024, National Reconciliation Week’s theme, “Now More Than Ever,” serves as a poignant reminder that the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people must continue unabated. Despite the devastating referendum result, the 6.2 million Australians who voted YES remain dedicated to renewed commitment, deeper dialogue, and stronger action to achieve meaningful progress towards better outcomes for First Nations people (Reconciliation Australia, 2024). Universities have a critical responsibility in reconciliation as places of learning that shape future leaders and the workforce. Through education, research, and community engagement, universities are uniquely positioned to address historical injustices, amplify Indigenous voices, and integrate Indigenous knowledge systems into the academic curriculum. This commitment is essential, as graduates equipped with this understanding are prepared to drive powerful social change and contribute to a more just and inclusive society. Universities have a responsibility to lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to reconciliation through policies, practices, and partnerships that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This commitment to reconciliation is crucial for universities as it aligns with their core values of equity, diversity, and social justice, ensuring that all members of the community have the opportunity to succeed and contribute to a more just and inclusive society. In 2024, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University, and James Cook University joined forces to host a collaborative National Reconciliation Week (NRW) event themed “Post-Referendum: What’s Next for Universities.” This event was an essential platform for reflecting on the ongoing relevance of reconciliation in the wake of recent national changes, particularly following the Australian Indigenous Voice referendum. Held on 27 May 2024, the event featured a panel of esteemed First Nations leaders, including Chanelle van den Berg (Pro Vice-Chancellor First Nations at Murdoch University), Professor Braden Hill (Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Students, Equity and Indigenous at Edith Cowan University), and Professor Martin Nakata (Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education & Strategy at James Cook University). Facilitated by Jenna Woods, Acting Dean of the School of Indigenous Knowledges, the discussion explored the critical roles universities play in reconciliation, emphasising the need for increased Indigenous leadership, representation, and the integration of Indigenous knowledges into academic research and professional practice. The event was accessible both in person, held at Murdoch University’s Rosemary van den Berg Room, and online. This dual format allowed for broader participation, with over 350 people attending online and in person, representing 30 universities and fostering an inclusive dialogue on reconciliation’s future in the tertiary sector. In addition to the panel discussion, attendees were encouraged to engage in a reflective activity, the results of which were collected through a form. This activity aimed to capture participants’ thoughts and insights on reconciliation, providing valuable data to inform future initiatives. This report highlights the key outcomes of the event, addresses the attendees’ questions, and summarises the data from the reflective activity. It underscores the collective commitment of the participating universities to continue their journey toward reconciliation, emphasising the importance of equity in achieving equality, justice, and institutional integrity in their ongoing efforts.
DOI
10.60867/00000023
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.