Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit was established at the University of Queensland in 1984. Its objective is to become a centre of excellence and expert opinion on teaching, research and consultation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to maintain a committed system of personal and academic support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying at the University of Queensland.
The objectives of the Unit are to:
-
increase recruitment, retention, academic performance and graduation rates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the University of Queensland;
-
approach Indigenous education from a standpoint of equality of regard;
-
promote understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and other Australians;
-
facilitate international understanding between and about Indigenous peoples on the basis of the highest levels of scholarship in teaching and research concerning Indigenous peoples and cultures; to incorporate understanding of the worldviews and intellectual traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the University’s academic and administrative policies, programs and procedures;
-
include particular attention to the protocols and ethical considerations for working with Indigenous peoples and communities;
-
nurture and promote the expansion of Indigenous Knowledge as an academic discipline based on the worldviews and intellectual traditions of Indigenous peoples;
-
secure and maintain the pivotal role of Indigenous Knowledge in teaching and research concerning Indigenous cultures and broader fields of knowledge, and encourage this recognition by local, national and international communities;
-
position UQ as a leader in Indigenous education by structuring coursework in political, social and cultural contexts and through focused research.
The Unit is involved in many issues in the University, tertiary education, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the broader community. The University has a strong commitment to reconciliation outlined in its Statement on Reconciliation and has adopted a statement of Education Principles on Indigenous Australian Matters (EPIAM) to provide a basis to develop policy and strategies to improve the understanding of students and staff of Indigenous issues and to recognise the importance and contribution of Indigenous Knowledge as an emerging discipline.