Murdoch University aspires to become the preferred university for First Nations communities, setting the standard for Indigenous engagement and excellence.
The 2023-2030 First Nations Sub-Strategy, launched today, paves the way for achieving the commitments outlined in the University’s Strategy, Ngala Kwop Biddi - Building a Brighter Future, Together.
At the core of the strategy lie four essential commitments: truth telling, self-determination, Indigenous excellence, and Indigenisation.
“The opportunity to pursue these commitments in a university environment is so significant because we have the potential to make an impact that reverberates far beyond our campuses,” Pro Vice Chancellor First Nations Chanelle van den Berg said.
“Education provides freedoms and opportunities that transcend the individual. Research provides critical evidence that drives change. And community engagement is at the heart of sustaining progress.
By embedding Indigenous knowledges, expertise and leadership in these core activities of the University, we can set a new standard for Indigenous engagement and excellence.”
Pro Vice Chancellor First Nations Chanelle van den Berg
A central aspect of realising the strategic vision is building the capacity of students and staff around each of the four areas, so the whole University community can contribute to a culturally strong, safe and supportive environment.
“That’s how we will become the preferred choice for First Nations communities,” Pro Vice Chancellor van den Berg said.
Murdoch currently enjoys the highest representation of First Nations students at any Western Australian university and has introduced a first-in-sector cultural load allowance that recognises the critical role First Nations staff play in our community.
Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks said the sub-strategy built on Murdoch’s strengths in providing a supportive environment that embraces and benefits from Indigenous knowledges and cultural inclusivity.
“Murdoch has strong foundations, with a history of transformational research at the Ngangk Yira Institute for Change, a dedicated School of Indigenous Knowledges, and best in class student support at the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre," Professor Deeks said.
Today, we are building on those foundations by setting out important and impactful changes – changes that not only matter here, but across the higher education sector and beyond."
Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks
“I’m excited by this ambitious roadmap to become the University of first choice for First Nations peoples.”
The 2023-2030 First Nations Sub-Strategy was developed with the guidance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community, and non-Indigenous staff at the university.Image: Pro Vice Chancellor van den Berg with Murdoch student Emily McCann, who illustrated the cover of the sub-strategy.