Statement on reconciliation

Griffith University, in its commitment to reconciliation and social justice, pays homage to the traditional custodians of the land upon which its campuses are based. The University also respects and acknowledges its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff, Elders and visitors who come from many nations across Australia including the Torres Strait Islands.

The ‘finding common ground’ principle underpins the development of the University’s teaching and learning, research, student support and community engagement, all of which have been created in the spirit of mutual respect and recognition. In line with the pursuit of academic excellence, quality assurance, service and ‘building bridges’ between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures, the University works closely with local, national and international interests to provide quality undergraduate and postgraduate student support, research, teaching and community engagement.

Griffith University acknowledges that access to education is critical to the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities. The University is committed to the development of curriculum that embodies the intellectual contributions of Elders and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarship and produces graduates who are knowledgeable in their specific disciplines and who are cross-culturally respectful and astute.

The Elders acknowledge Griffith’s achievements in facilitating this process to date including: the establishment of the Gumurrii Student Support Unit, the Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art program, the Cape York Institute, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee chaired by an Aboriginal Elder, the engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders for specific positions and roles, the adoption of inclusive curriculum practices, the provision of student support services, innovative research, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy, the Indigenous student cadetship program, scholarship programs, the Indigenous Law Student program, and many community engagement initiatives.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders support Griffith in its quest to become a lead research university through its commitment to ethical and sensitive research, which embraces cultural protocols and meets National Health and Medical Research Council ethical guidelines. The Elders acknowledge education as critical to the maintenance and preservation of traditional values and knowledge. They acknowledge Griffith University’s commitment to Indigenous scholarship, epistemologies, world-views, and its leadership in community engagement and partnership, in which Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and Elders are important conduits.

In the spirit of cooperation, partnership and mutual respect, Griffith walks with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples, along a path of inclusion, equality and understanding for the betterment of all Australians in the name of reconciliation.

• Statement on Reconciliation print version (PDF 808k)