APRU Indigenous Knowledges Network meets in Melbourne

The University of Melbourne welcomed international leaders in Indigenous and First Nations knowledges for the second workshop of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) Indigenous Knowledges Network.

The workshop ran from 19 – 23 November and was hosted on campus in Parkville and Dookie and included travel throughout the scenic Goulburn Valley.

Participants from 17 different universities were welcomed to Melbourne (Narrm) by Wurundjeri Elders and had the opportunity to hear from the University’s Indigenous leadership about the University’s Indigenous Strategy, Murmuk Djerring, and Victoria’s work towards Treaty, post-referendum.

Participants also attended research showcases at the University’s Dookie campus and spent time on country in the Yorta Yorta Nation, hearing from the University’s Goulburn Valley community partners and local Indigenous Elders.

Workshop sessions focused on opportunities for international university collaborations in the areas of Indigenous knowledge in research and research training, teaching and learning and student support, and leadership and professional development.

The APRU Indigenous Knowledges Network is led by the University of Melbourne and includes participants from 12 APRU member institutions from across Asia, Latin America and the Pacific. The network brings together the work of APRU members in multilateral collaborations to share knowledge, build connections between researchers, and enhance teaching programs in Indigenous and First Nations studies.

Participation in APRU aligns to the University of Melbourne’s commitment to ensuring that Indigenous voices are at the fore of our engagement with tertiary institutions and networks across the world, and to play a leading role in shaping and developing global Indigenous research and education networks.