Embedding Indigenous knowledge in the curriculum: Principles and strategies across the Australian higher education sector

Seb Dianati; Reuben Bolt

doi:10.55146/ajie.v54i1.1073

Authors

Seb Dianati University of Southern Queensland
Reuben Bolt Charles Darwin University https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7462-5883

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55146/ajie.v54i1.1073

Keywords:

Indigenisation benchmark, Indigenous studies, Indigenising the curriculum, First Nations perspectives

Abstract

In this paper we document the various strategies universities have undertaken or are currently undertaking in their Indigenising practices across the Australian higher education sector by screening university websites for their strategies, principles and initiatives. It serves as a vital stocktake, audited in November 2023, for institutions aiming to forge a path towards an inclusive and culturally diverse academic environment. While such benchmarks should be tempered with caution due to the diversity of First Nations communities in which universities operate, it offers a spectrum of current practices for further development and growth. At the same time, it reinforces the current transition, from the perspective of Western science, of the value of Indigenous knowledges, epistemologies and approaches within the curriculum.

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Author Biographies

Seb Dianati, University of Southern Queensland

At the time of writing this article Dr Seb Dianati headed the Digital Learning Futures team within Education Strategy at Charles Darwin University. With a background at The University of Queensland since 2018, he has served as a Senior Teaching Fellow and Director of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Lab (CaLD Lab). His leadership has driven the widespread implementation of digital technologies through student partnerships, demonstrated by numerous institutional rollouts.

Reuben Bolt, Charles Darwin University

Professor Reuben Bolt is a proud Yuin man from the south-east coast of Australia and at the time of writing was Deputy Vice Chancellor First Nations Leadership at Charles Darwin University. He is a descendant of the Yuin/Wandandian and Monaro/Ngarigo peoples and is the first person of Aboriginal heritage to graduate with a PhD at the University of Sydney’s Faculty of Health Sciences. He brings more than 25 years’ experience within the higher education sector in Australia spanning teaching, research and leadership on Indigenous issues. Professor Bolt is now Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Services at the University of Sydney.

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