NAIDOC 2026 Theme
Edith Cowan University (ECU) reaffirmed its commitment to recognising the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation during NAIDOC Week, honouring their enduring connection to Country and paying respect to Elders past and present through impactful conversations at this year's NAIDOC Speaker Series (NSS).
This year's events provided an opportunity to recognise significant milestones, including 50 years of NAIDOC Week, 20 years of Kurongkurl Katitjin as it prepares for its move to ECU City Campus in 2026.
The NSS served as a means to introduce the newly established Cultural Narrative Framework, a unique guiding structure in Australian universities.
L-R: Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students, Equity and Indigenous), Professor Braden Hill; Ms Clothilde Bullen OAM; Dr Richard Walley OAM; ECU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clare Pollock
The Framework places Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, pedagogies, and knowledge systems of respect, identity, and place at the heart of ECU, shaping the University's approach to campus design, and the lived student and staff experience.
Informed and shaped by Elders and cultural leaders such as Clothilde Bullen OAM and Dr Richard Walley OAM, the Framework is a living guide that will grow and reinforce the values contained within it.
The NSS, Cultural Narrative Framework, and the ECU City Campus project are guided by the Life Layers, which each embody a unique aspect of Noongar culture and offer a cultural, philosophical and practical guide to understanding.
Each Life Layer, provides the narrative structure and direction for the NSS, and was discussed by leaders in the community, from different walks of life.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Students, Equity and Indigenous) Professor Braden Hill is a Nyungar (Wardandi) man and has been instrumental in the NSS and the implementation of the Cultural Narrative Framework.
"I want to express the significance of ECU's new Cultural Narrative Framework - it represents a milestone commitment and opportunity to lead with cultural integrity, and foster inclusive, interconnected narratives that reflect the diversity of local, national, and global communities," Professor Hill said.
L-R: Director of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet within Kurongkurl Katitjin, Professor Bep Uink; Ms Tillara Casey; Mr Ash Penfold; ECU's Elder-in-Residence, Dr Roma Winmar; Dean of Kurongkurl Katitjin and ECU's Director, Aboriginal Research, Professor Dan McAullay
In alignment with this year's NAIDOC theme of "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy" the topics discussed ranged from cultural knowledge as a foundation for best practice, to rebalancing how leadership and innovation are viewed through a different lens.
Professor Bep Uink, Director of the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet within Kurongkurl Katitjin, who was involved with the NSS in various capacities, emphasised that intergenerational knowledge transfer is a vital component in advancing these discussions.
"The event was an important reminder of how young leaders' model 'leading with the heart' in our communities," Professor Uink said.
"It was great to have a speaker series for NAIDOC this year, which allowed staff to continue to engage in important conversations outside of NAIDOC week."
Together, these events affirmed a shared commitment to placing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge at the centre of ECU's everyday teaching, learning, and practice - not just during NAIDOC Week.
