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.

Members of this subcommittee are:

• Associate Professor Deirdre Howard-Wagner
• Dr Malcom Allbrook (RSSS Academic Representative)
• Dr Kirrily Jordan (RSSS Academic Representative)
• Dr Amanda Stuart (Early Career Researcher)
• Ms Aileen Walsh (HDR Student Representative)
• Ms Karen Ford (Diversity Network Representative)
• Dr Bonnie McConnell (RSHA Academic Member)
• Dr Carmel O'Shannessy (RSHA Academic Member)
• Mr Wayne Barlow (Masters by Coursework Student Representative)
• Mr Katchmirr Russell (Undergraduate Student Representative)
• Ms Sian Hicks (Professional Staff Member)
• Ms Courtney Hope (Committee Secretary)

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:

• The CASS Indigenous Australian Graduate Scholarship
• The Indigenous Music School Higher Degree Research Endowment Scholarship.
• Ken Wanganeen Scholarship supported by the Ken Wanganeen endowment (to support internships or course-work programs).
• Joseph & Lindsay Croft Memorial Scholarship to assist an undergraduate Indigenous Australian students to undertake an approved program of study

Endowments

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

• Indigenous Australian Languages Endowment to support a half-time lectureship
• CAEPR Indigenous Visiting Fellow Scheme.
• The Minoru Hokari Memorial Scholarship for fieldwork in Indigenous History.
• The Anthony Forge Prize — The Forge Endowment to support a graduate student scholarship and/or publication subsidies for researchers (Indigenous arts and museology).

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:

• Australian Centre for Indigenous History (ACIH)
• Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research (CAEPR)

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:

• ANU Responsible Conduct of Research
• Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Guidelines for Ethical Research in Australian Indigenous Studies
• Australian Research Council Codes and Guidelines for Ethical Research

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

• Tjabal Indigenous Higher Education Centre
• National Centre for Indigenous Studies (NCIS)

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.