Reconciliation (RAP) at CASS

Introduction

CASS has begun work on a project that aims to institutionalise transformative reconciliation through organisational cultural change across the College. This project will bring to fruition a key objective of the CASS RAP Sub-Committee to embed Indigenous knowledges, perspectives and content in the CASS Curriculum as part of progressing CASS’ contribution to the ANU RAP. It furthers the College achieving the objective of the ANU RAP by focussing on four key activities:

  • The development of a mapping tool to identify innovation in transformative reconciliation at a higher education institution
  • The identification of innovation across CASS using the mapping tool; and then using a range of creative ways to disseminate examples of innovation across the College
  • The development of Acknowledgment of Country workshops with local Elders to be delivered to 50 CASS staff (executive, RAP committee, other staff) in order to provide an opportunity for staff to develop an understanding of Country, of protocols of Acknowledgment of Country, and to developing one’s own narratives within this protocol and place
  • Review of the Indigenous Studies 1001 course as a potential compulsory or elective course for students across CASS, honouring the teaching and learning of Indigenous lived experiences, grounded on local Ngunnawal and Ngambri communities.

CASS is committed to improving engagement with Indigenous Australians in line with the forthcoming ANU Reconciliation Action Plan. To work towards this vision the College will develop its own reconciliation action plan in response to the ANU Reconciliation Action Plan. The College has a history of engaging in University initiatives to promote reconciliation and has the longest-running RAP Sub-Committee on campus. We encourage you to read the previous CASS Reconciliation Action Plan and engage in these important topics with us as we develop a vision for increasing engagement. The CASS Reconciliation Action Plan Sub-Committee meet at least quarterly and report on progress throughout the year.

We acknowledge and celebrate the First Australians on whose traditional lands we meet, and pay our respect to the elders past, present and emerging.

Members of this subcommittee are:

The College's commitment to reconciliation is broad in scope. Below we list some important information and some of our most obvious and targeted activities.

CASS is proud of the commitment that staff and students have made towards the ANU Reconciliation Action Plan in 2018 and 2019. There are a number of projects within the College that are designed to assist in the implementation of the RAP, and there are many exciting initiatives underway, including:

Indigenous Professionals Trainees Program

The College HR team made a successful application to the inaugural ANU Indigenous Professional Staff Grants Program in 2018. The funding will support a new Indigenous Traineeship Program which is at implementation stage; two trainees will be hosted on a rotational program across different work areas for a twelve-month period with placements to be coordinated through an expression of interest process. Trainees will be sourced through a preferred ANU provider; the Australian Training Company and will undertake a Certificate III in Business while employed as a trainee.  It is hoped that this program may provide a pathway to further career opportunities in CASS or the Education sector more broadly.

Scholarships

In addition to other scholarships, Graduate Students in CASS may also apply for the following scholarships and prizes:

Endowments

CASS is also the recipient of a number of endowments specific to Indigenous research teaching and engagement. They are:

Study and Research Options

Australian Indigenous Studies is a recognised field of study, part of a global disciplinary network of Indigenous Studies. Indigenous studies are often conducted in interdisciplinary contexts. Also known as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, this field of study concerns matters of interest and importance to First Nations Peoples.

At ANU, we offer students opportunities to develop insight into the extraordinary breadth, depth and diversity of First Peoples' knowledges and ways of knowing, the diverse perspectives and experiences of Australia’s First Peoples, and to deepen awareness of and respect for Indigenous Peoples' rights. Find out more about the programs and courses are on offer by visiting the “Australian Indigenous Studies at ANU” website.

In addition CASS hosts two world class research centres:

Acknowledgment of Country

It is university policy to begin all public events with an acknowledgment of traditional owners or a Welcome to Country.

The official wording for all ANU Acknowledgment of Country is:

We acknowledge and celebrate the First Australians on whose traditional lands we meet and work, and whose cultures are among the oldest continuing cultures in human history.

Ethical Research Guidelines

All researchers should be aware of the following ethical research guidelines:

Cultural Awareness

All staff are encouraged to undertake Indigenous Cultural Awareness Training. ANU Pulse provides staff and students access to free self-paced online learning course which can be completed at any time.

Other important centres at the ANU

For more information on reconciliation aims and activities in the College of Arts and Social Science contact the committee secretary Ms Courtney Hope or the committee chair Associate Professor Deirdre Howard-Wagner.

 

 

Public Lectures

23
Oct
2019

Building a better ‘middle ground’: the next step for theory and museums

Jilda Andrews

Theories relating to cultural intersections such as the cultural interface and contact zone theory have moved museum thinking and practice in to a new era of reflection and awareness. This new era has made important gains all round – for Indigenous people, museum workers and museum audiences. These…

18
Sep
2018

Still in My Mind. Gurindji location, experience and visuality

Associate Professor Brenda L Croft

CASS Annual Public Lecture on Future Directions in Indigenous Research 2018 An overview of the lecture This lecture will reflect on my creative practice-led doctoral research project, ‘Still in my mind: Gurindji location, experience and visuality’. This research project addresses personal and…

21
Sep
2017

A 'Third Mission'?: Reimagining University-Indigenous Relationships across Australia

Tony Dreise, Research Scholar, ANU Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research

CASS Annual Public Lecture on Future Directions in Indigenous Research 2017 by Tony Dreise 5:00 Musical performance by Ms Brenda Gifford and Dr Christopher Sainsbury (School of Music) 5:20 Welcome to Country by Dr Matilda House 5:30 Introduction by Dr Deirdre Howard-Wagner (Centre for…

19
Oct
2016

New thoughts on Indigenous music and the Australian music composition scene

Dr Chris Sainsbury, Lecturer, ANU School of Music

By Dr Christopher Sainsbury ANU School of Music   5.30pm lecture and recital Followed by 6.30pm drinks    After Dr Sainsbury's talk, he will be performing, joined by Michaele Archer (voice) and Giuseppe Zangari (guitar).   They will be performing …

07
Oct
2015

Being language: Roles, responsibility and respect in Ngaanyatjarra society

Elizabeth Marrkilyi Ellis, ANU, Dr Inge Kral, ANU, Professor Jane Simpson, ARC Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language, ANU, Dr Jennifer Green, ARC Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language, The University of Melbourne

CASS Annual Public Lecture on Future Directions in Indigenous Research 2015 This lecture will be followed by a performance by musical artists Biliirr and a reception: 6.30-8.00pm. Please register via Eventbrite for the event and performance. How you speak and what you talk about reveals much…

18
Aug
2014

WARLPIRI DRAWINGS at the National Museum of Australia - curated by Dr Melinda Hinkson

WARLPIRI DRAWINGS at the National Museum of Australia - curated by Dr Melinda Hinkson A fabulous exhibition at the the National Museum of Australia has been curated by Dr Melinda Hinkson from SAA. This exhibition was curated for the National Museum of Australia by Dr Melinda Hinkson, Australian…

16
Oct
2013

Future Directions in Indigenous Research: Digital Life

Public Lecture followed by light refreshments The College of Arts and Social Sciences is hosting the 2013 Future Directions in Indigenous Research Public Lecture Despite the ubiquity of smart phones in northeast Arnhem Land, Yolngu have not acquiesced to the idea that everything can—and should—be…