Indigenous matters
Acknowledgement
Edith Cowan University acknowledges and respects the continuing association with Nyoongar people, the traditional custodians of the land, upon which its campuses stand and programs operate.
Commitment
Edith Cowan University is and remains committed to working collaboratively and in partnership with the Indigenous Australian Community in a spirit of cooperation and reconciliation.
This commitment extends to Indigenous students and staff of the University, the broader Indigenous community and to raising awareness of Indigenous culture and issues amongst the general community.
Edith Cowan University has a commitment to:
- engage closely with Indigenous people and communities;
- fully develop Indigenous students and staff, assisting them to realise their potential;
- ensure that individual differences and diversity are respected; and
- contribute positively to Indigenous community development and sustainability through its students, staff, and graduates.
Kurongkurl Katitjin is Edith Cowan University's Centre for Indigenous Australian Education and Research and has a vital role in assisting the University to meet its commitment to Indigenous peoples.
Reconciliation Action Plan
On the 26 May 2011, Edith Cowan University launched its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2011-2012, building on ECU's Statement of Commitment to Indigenous Australians and replacing the current Indigenous Action Plan as the chief means of translating our Indigenous commitments into real and meaningful action.
The RAP provides greater accountability, measurable outcomes and an independent and public verification of our contribution towards addressing Indigenous Australian disadvantage, with the intention of closing the 17-year gap in life expectancy between Indigenous Australians and other Australians.
The RAP was developed following a comprehensive consultation process which included:
- community-wide consultations with both internal and external stakeholders;
- a major roundtable at the Mount Lawley campus involving students, staff and community representatives, from within the Indigenous Australian and the broader community;
- liaison with Reconciliation Australia and WA Dept of Indigenous Affairs;
- input from ECU’s key committees and boards;
- consultation with key internal stakeholders to assist in setting specific, measurable, achievable, and realistic targets; and
- conversations with key community partners, including the Joondalup Learning Precinct Board.
The RAP was approved by ECU’s Council on 30 April 2011 and Reconciliation Australia on 2 May 2011.
Monitoring and implementation
Edith Cowan University’s Equity Committee will establish a Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group (RAPWG) to monitor the implementation and progress of the RAP.
All ECU students and staff are invited to express their interest in joining the RAP Working Group as the student or staff representative.
See the Terms of Reference for full details.
If you would like to participate in this important University committee, please submit a one page Expression of Interest providing a little of your background, interests and aspirations to PQESCsupport@ecu.edu.au by Friday, 15 July 2011.