As end of the year approaches, we’re counting down the five most popular Library Connect blog posts from 2022. Library Connect is your one-stop-shop for news about Library services, upcoming events, workshops and more. We cater to members of the Griffith community, including researchers and academics.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are advised that this post may mention and contain the images of deceased peoples.
National Reconciliation Week—27 May to 3 June—is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, Be Brave. Make Change, is a challenge to all Australians—individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
Reconciliation Week ‘walk and talk’, Gold Coast campus.
How has Griffith contributed to Reconciliation?
Our University recognises reconciliation is a shared process and every student and staff member has a role to play. We contribute by collectively building relationships and communities that value First Peoples’ histories, cultures and futures. The following initiatives illustrate further positive progress that Griffith has made towards reconciliation with First Australian Peoples:
- The GUMURRII Student Success Unit is the heart of Griffith University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and is located on each of Griffith’s campuses. GUMURRII is a dedicated support unit for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled at Griffith University. GUMURII assists students from recruitment and orientation to graduation, providing undergraduate and postgraduate support, including tutorial assistance, in a safe and culturally appropriate learning environment.
- The Contemporary Australian Art Program invests Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders with the skills and techniques to become professional artists, exploring the diversity of modern Indigenous art practice and gaining deep insights into contemporary culture and political art.
- A variety of First Peoples’ scholarships are open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These range from academic, accommodation and sporting scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- The First Peoples’ Health Unit is committed to increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student success towards a more highly skilled, highly educated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce.
- Griffith Business School has a long relationship with local and national First Peoples through our learning and teaching, research and engagement. Their commitment to supporting First Peoples is achieved by creating cultural equity and understanding in the communities we serve.
- The Kungullanji Research Pathways Program raises aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students by providing an undergraduate research experience, professional development, and connections to the broader Indigenous research community.
- The Indigenous Research Unit supports and facilitates research relevant to and prioritised by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
Kungullanji Research Pathways Program participants.
How can you contribute during National Reconciliation Week 2022 and beyond?
Change begins with brave actions in your daily life—where you live, work, play and socialise. Take these actions with you every day of the year, not just during National Reconciliation Week:
- tell the truth on racism
- acknowledge Country
- get your facts first-hand
- fight for justice
- own our history
- get reconciliation into schools
- learn your local history
- support self-determination
- be a brave ally
- prioritise cultural safety
- support First Nations businesses
- stop cultural theft
- reconciliation at work
- understand political representation
- speak up for languages
- aim higher in higher education
- stand for land rights
- care for Country.
