We respectfully acknowledge the the Kabi Kabi (Gubbi Gubbi) and Butchulla Traditional Custodians on whose land UniSC operates and recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) recognises that respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, land, cultures and histories is critical to working together for better outcomes for all Australians and achieving our commitment to advance human rights within a tolerant and inclusive society. UniSC demonstrates this commitment through multiple Strategies and Plans including the Indigenous Education Strategy 2023 - 2028.
Through these Strategies and Plans, the University has committed to providing all students with the opportunity to encounter and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges and perspectives as an integral part of their program of study.
An understanding of and respect for Australia’s Indigenous peoples — their personal histories, beliefs and values, languages and lifestyles — is important in many ways. Research tells us that it helps when, as educators, we meet the educational needs of our Indigenous students in very practical ways — we can improve attendance, retention and workplace participation. Weaving the Indigenous story into the fabric of education through teaching about Indigenous cultures and perspectives in schools has been identified nationally as key to improving outcomes for Indigenous peoples.
Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives will enhance the educational experiences of non-Indigenous students as well. It will not only gives them a more accurate and richer understanding of Australia’s history and culture, it will help them to understand how we got to where we are today; and how we might move forward together. It’s about reconciliation.
To support staff and students, A Framework for Embedding Aboriginal Knowledges and Perspectives and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges and Perspectives in Curriculum at UniSC is available. This framework consists of seven guiding principles and a set of institutional enablers that underpin successful implementation. It sets out various approaches to conducting the embedding work, and provides a matrix of student learning outcomes, scaffolded for both content and level. Scholarly practice conversations can be arranged for Program Coordinators to discuss discipline-relevant models of good practice from within USC and other institutions, submit a service request in UniSC Connect to find out more.
Staff can also access more information at the Embedding Aboriginal Knowledges and Perspectives and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges and Perspectives SharePoint page.
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