Improving Indigenous Outcomes and Enhancing Indigenous Culture and Knowledge in Australian Higher Education

The document includes an overview of the 2005 inaugural Indigenous higher education Conference, Education Led Recovery of Indigenous Capacity: reshaping the policy agenda held in November 2005 and presents the first strategic plan of the Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council over the period 2006-2008. 

The strategic plan identifies seven key priority areas, which Council believes will assist in closing the divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in higher education.  The strategic plan is a working document to frame the priorities and activities of the Council in fulfilling its Terms of Reference.  The Council proposes to work collaboratively with higher education institutions, schools, registered training organisations and other key education stakeholders to progress the Council’s strategic directions.

The vision of the Council is for a higher education system in which Indigenous Australians share equally in the life and career opportunities that a university education can provide.  This means creating a higher education system in which:

• Indigenous people and their culture and knowledge are visible and valued on campus;
• Indigenous research is of high quality and high status;
• Indigenous studies are a prominent and vibrant part of the curriculum;
• Indigenous knowledge and culture are developed and preserved;
• Indigenous leaders are trained; and
• Indigenous people are active in university governance, leadership and management

Abstract

This document explores the core issues underpinning the aspirations of Indigenous Australians to access and succeed in Australian higher education institutions. 

The Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council (IHEAC) believes that policy for Indigenous higher education should be underpinned by the goal of the social, cultural and economic development of the whole Indigenous community.  While there has been progress towards achieving equity in Australian higher education for Indigenous people, there are still significant shortfalls, the rate of progress is inadequate, and there is a risk of a decline in the progress made to date.  A commitment is now needed to making major advances.

The Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council considers higher education to be central to the aspirations of Indigenous people for a rightful place in Australian society and believes that Australian universities must play a leadership role in the nation’s recognition of Indigenous people and culture.

Author(s)

Professor Richard James and Ms Marcia Devlin of the Centre for the Study of Higher Education, The University of Melbourne, March 2006

Publication Details

Type : Reports
Published : 3/2006

Topics Covered

Availability

Report ( PDF 1.2 MB | RTF 8.2 MB) (Warning: large file)