First Peoples Learning and Teaching Event

Over 30 ACU staff attended the event, which was held on the Signadou Campus, on Ngunnawal Country, Canberra. This event aimed to advance First Peoples education at ACU, marking a significant stride in the university's dedication to reconciliation and inclusivity.

The event fostered discussions on integrating First Peoples Knowings, perspectives, and pedagogies into ACU's curriculum, aligning with its strategic goals and commitment to creating an inclusive and culturally responsive learning environments.

Over two days, Dr. Jessica Russ-Smith and Professor Peter Anderson facilitated sessions using collaborative and co-learning models. Distinguished guest speakers Dr Aunty Doseena Fergie and Professor Sue Green provided insightful sessions that delved into First Peoples curriculum development, mapping, and strategic support.

The event was supported by Indigenous Student Success Funding (ISSP) through the First Peoples Directorate.

The report details a summary and recommendations from the event that will further enhance First Peoples education at ACU.

First Peoples Learning and Teaching 2023 Event Report

Special thanks and acknowledgement

We are thankful to the First Peoples Director, Jane Ceolin for their unwavering support and commitment to fostering cultural capability and appreciation at ACU. This event would not have been possible without their contributions and continuous leadership within the university.

We are grateful to distinguished co-facilitator Professor Peter Anderson and guest speakers Dr Aunty Doseena Fergie and Professor Sue Green whose insightful contributions enriched discussion and learning of attendees, as well as Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan for her Welcome to Country.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dr Aunty Doseena Fergie, Dr Tess Ryan, Dr Nerida Blair, Philip Dreise, the late Dr Nereda White, and the late Dr Aunty Joan Hendriks, whose cultural wisdom and leadership profoundly influenced the event and First Peoples Curriculum at ACU. Their invaluable guidance and insights have shaped and enriched ACU, paving the way for embedding First Peoples Knowings, perspectives and pedagogies.

For further information or support on embedding First Peoples Knowing, perspectives and pedagogies into curriculum, contact Dr Jessica Russ-Smith.