We’ve started our unique journey towards reconciliation, but recognise it is a journey that will be ongoing as we work to ensure Indigenous strategies and cultural perspectives are embedded within our University.
Crucial support, guidance, and wisdom to set our path came from respected Elder and leader Professor Tom Calma AO, Co-Chair of Reconciliation Australia, and Co-Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament initiative. His input has helped us develop an exceptionally strong plan, one which aims to embed cultural learning across all Flinders University campuses, while acknowledging the long-held philosophies, knowledges, research strengths and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, together with a determination to detect and address unconscious bias and structural discrimination.
Reflecting our resolve to build a new inclusiveness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at Flinders University – grounded in the concepts of togetherness, reciprocity, and respect – our second Innovate RAP will further embed Indigenous perspectives across our activities and deepen our commitment to First Nations people’s knowledges and cultures in a spirit of equity, integrity, and unity.
Professor Colin Stirling
President and Vice-Chancellor
Flinders University
Flinders University was established on the lands of the Kaurna nation, with the first University campus, Bedford Park, located on the ancestral body of Ngannu near Warriparinga. Warriparinga is a significant site in the complex and multi-layered Dreaming of the Kaurna ancestor, Tjilbruke. For the Kaurna nation, Tjilbruke was a keeper of the fire and a peace maker/law maker. Tjilbruke is part of the living culture and traditions of the Kaurna people. His spirit lives in the Land and Waters, in the Kaurna people and in the glossy ibis (known as Tjilbruke for the Kaurna). Through Tjilbruke, the Kaurna people continue their creative relationship with their Country, its spirituality and its stories.
Flinders University acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, these are the Traditional Lands of the Arrernte, Dagoman, First Nations of the South-East, First Peoples of the River Murray & Mallee region, Jawoyn, Kaurna, Larrakia, Ngadjuri, Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, Warumungu, Wardaman and Yolngu people. We honour their Elders past, present and emerging.
Poetic text gifted by Kaurna Elder Dr Uncle Lewis Yarluburka O’Brien and the Kaurna Warra Pintyanthi Language Committee1
on the occasion of Flinders University’s 50th anniversary.
Yara
Reciprocity of ideas and ‘two way’ learning that takes place in a shared place.
Purlirna kardlarna ngadluku miyurnaku yaintya tikkiarna.
Wardlipari is the home river in the Milky Way. The stars are the fires of the people living there.
Yurarlu yurakauwi trruku-ana
padninthi Wardlipari.
Yurakauwi the rainbow serpent goes into the dark spots in the Milky Way.
Ngaiyirda karralika kawingka tikainga yara kumarninthi.
When the outer world and the sky connect with the water the two become one.
Gifted to the Flinders University Reconciliation Plan from the Kaurna Language Committee.
Waatu
Together in partnership
Nguyanguya muri
Reconciliation
Pirrku
Message, story
Gifted to the Flinders University Reconciliation Action Plan from Arrernte Traditional Owners, Alice Springs where the Flinders Poche Centre and Centre for Remote Health are located.
Anyente-Irreme (aninte urrum)
Moving together as one
Utnenge (utnunga)
Spirit of the land
Gifted to the Flinders University Reconciliation Action Plan from Larrakia Traditional Owners, Darwin where the College of Medicine and Public Health, Centre for Remote Health NT and Poche are located.
Batjji wa, Batjji ma
Welcome, Welcome to
Gulumoerrgin (Gull-mor-egin)
The name of the land on which the Larrakia group resides.
Nilijarrk
You have arrived.
Batjji ganyam
It’s good to see you.
Gun-gwa gwoyelaw Gulumoerrgin
This is Larrakia Country
Gifted to the Flinders University Reconciliation Action Plan from Yolngu Traditional Owners, Nhulunbuy where the College of Medicine and Public Health NT is located.
Marngi’guma
Acknowledging those that own and have the knowledge
This is indirectly about acknowledging past theft & history with universities but acknowledging nations and Traditional Owners.
Ŋalimurru buku-gurrupan mirri ga djäma wanygangurruna
Everyone/ all of us - giving and showing respect both ways and working together.
Yolŋu ga ŋapaki rrambaŋi bala rali djäma
Yolŋu & ŋapaki, working together.
1 Gift of Words video: https://www.flinders.edu.au/about/indigenous-commitment
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