The Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council provides policy advice to the Federal minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Its Strategic Plan (PDF 1.17mb) is based on five principles:
- respect for Indigenous people, knowledge and culture
- mutual obligation for universities, government and Indigenous people
- integrated, cross-sectoral policies and programs
- high expectations
- clear goals
The Plan focusses on major contemporary issues and key areas for action.
One of the seven priority areas is to enhance the prominence and status on campus of Indigenous culture, knowledge and studies. There are many dimensions including the opportunities to acknowledge respect and acceptance of Indigenous culture in the vocabulary and imagery associated with signage, websites, graduation ceremonies, buildings and official documentation. The symbolism associated with Indigenous culture is socially significant. To improve the experiences of Indigenous students, greater awareness is needed in universities of cultural differences in the ways students interact and are socially integrated.
Other parts of this website point to curriculum reform, academic content and assessment in courses, research-informed approaches to teaching, the personal and academic support programs for Indigenous students and staff, and inclusion in administrative and leadership roles.
Griffith committees and working parties have identified issues and are in the process of developing guidelines for appropriate cultural engagement with members of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.