Please note that this is an on-going project.
Project Description
The DVCI Team has developed and delivered a variety of workshops, essential documents, and events throughout 2024.
These initiatives include:
(1) Cultural Competency Workshops which aim to develop skills that ensure ethical, respectful and effective engagement with First Peoples across the university and in the community.
(2) Regular interaction with the Cultural Competency Community of Practice Teams group and monthly drop-in sessions to further build knowledge, skills, awareness and understanding.
(2) National Reconciliation Week activities and events -including an Unpacking the Reconciliation Statement workshop and Reconciliation in Action Guide.
(3) NAIDOC Week flag-raising ceremonies across three campuses.
(4) Two new First Peoples resources – Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country Guidelines; and Guidelines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Terminology, with accompanying workshops.
(5) Facilitating various Yarning Circle Workshops in order to give staff and students access to Indigenous knowledges respectfully, in context and in a culturally safe manner. Attendees included, for example, Logan Eco Action Festival (LEAF) participants, Queensland College of Arts and Design, Queensland Conservatorium of Music leadership, Disrupting Violence Beacon, Nutrition and Dietetics students, Physiotherapy students and high school students.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
Dr Kerry Hall and I are the key people who have curated these activities and resources as outlined above. These initiatives offer actionable steps for Reconciliation, aligned with Griffith University’s Reconciliation Statement in order to support a culturally safe organisation. The primary focus of the project has been to upskill Griffith University staff. When staff are supported along a continuous learning path that addresses knowledge, understanding, attitudes, and skills, the resulting benefits for Griffith University students should begin to become observable.
Outcomes to Date
524 staff have attended Cultural Competency workshops so far this year. A further estimated 200 participated in National Reconciliation Week events, including Unpacking the Reconciliation Statement workshops. An estimated total of 214 attended NAIDOC Week flag-raising ceremonies. 377 staff and students have attended Yarning Circle talks and discussions.
Achievements of the Project include:
Enhanced Cultural Competency: University staff have gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples cultures, traditions, and histories.
Increased Cultural Awareness: The Project has raised awareness about the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity within the university community.
Strengthened Reconciliation Initiatives: The initiatives have fostered stronger relationships, connections and mutual respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous staff members.
Project Significance
Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous people is a crucial step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of Quality Education (4), Reduced Inequalities (10) and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (16) (SDGs) and sustainable development.
By addressing inclusivity and equity through these initiatives, underpinned by Reconciliation, we address historical injustices and promote sustainable development through an appreciation of the cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their contributions to our university.
Building cultural competency skills for staff, based on respect and understanding, reduces social tensions and fosters peaceful coexistence. Seeing inequities through a social justice lens is fundamental for the long-term sustainability of our University and its communities.
Overall, the Reconciliation initiatives outlined in this project help to support a staff development framework centred on quality education, reduced inequalities, and the promotion of peace, justice, and strong institutions. This suite of workshops, events, and resources acknowledges and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples knowledges and perspectives, thereby fostering sustainable development for both Griffith University staff and students.