Murdoch University has proudly established the first-ever international Indigenous-led Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Australia, marking a significant milestone in both Australian and New Zealand higher education.

The partnership between Murdoch University and the University of Otago will pave the way for enhanced cultural exchange and educational opportunities for Indigenous students and staff.

“This is a unique partnership and opportunity for students to learn about another Indigenous culture, build their understanding of what it means to be Indigenous, and be empowered by other Indigenous people doing incredible things in their spaces,” Pro Vice Chancellor First Nations Chanelle van den Berg said.

“It’s never been done before at a university level and I’m so proud to be part of creating this pathway for First Nations students.”

Pro Vice Chancellor van den Berg travelled to Otago alongside Noongar cultural adviser Olman Walley, and staff and students from Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre and the School of Indigenous Knowledges to formalise the agreement.

This was done via the exchange of culturally significant objects with Pro Vice Chancellor van den Berg’s counterpart at the University of Otago, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Māori) Professor Jacinta Ruru.

This is a departure from the Western norm of drafting an agreement on paper to be signed by respective heads of universities.

Following the cultural exchange, the MOU was signed in Noongar and Te Reo Māori, as well as in English. This also breaks new ground as the first time an MOU has been written in Indigenous languages, highlighting the importance of cultural preservation and recognition in higher education.

Professor Ruru said Murdoch shared many common values and ambitions.

“The University is renowned for its strong focus on social justice, diversity, and Indigenous rights,” she said.

“This is an ethos that aligns closely with the mission of our Tūrangawaewae Pōkai whenua programme.”

“Murdoch has a strategic goal to become the university of choice for First Nations students whilst we are on our own journey to becoming a Te Tiriti-led university,” Professor Ruru said.

“I look forward to walking alongside Murdoch on this path towards our shared future.”

The initial focus of the partnership is on Indigenous student mobility, with the standard exchange program adapted specifically for Indigenous students.

It is designed to be shorter, less cost-prohibitive and culturally focussed, supporting Indigenous students in accessing opportunities they might not otherwise have.

Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre Manager Ashah Tanoa said the partnership presented an incredible platform for students to learn from another culture and begin building their international network.

“As a First Nations person, the opportunity to engage with other Indigenous cultures and spaces can open your world significantly,” Mrs Tanoa said.

“Sharing stories of survival, colonisation, intergenerational pain, and also celebrating strength in culture and self-determination, is a powerful and eye-opening experience.

“We are all connected and, as a student, this would have been a life changing experience for me.”

Students from Kulbardi will participate in exchanges with the University of Otago and, in return, University of Otago students will come to Murdoch to engage in similar cultural and educational experiences as part of the Wandju Boodja unit.

When Kulbardi students visit the University of Otago, they will receive full support from the University’s Te Huka Mātauraka - Māori Centre. This ensures that students are well-supported and can fully immerse themselves in the cultural exchange experience.