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Symposium to explore Indigenous culture
The University of the Sunshine Coast is hosting the 2009 Indigenous Education Symposium from 12–15 October, to help raise awareness of Indigenous culture and facilitate understanding between Indigenous Australians and the wider community.
The keynote presentation will be delivered by Professor Yvonne Cadet-James, Head of the School of Indigenous Australian Studies at James Cook University and Chancellor of the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education.
Professor Cadet-James will present findings from her current research on the development of an Indigenous family wellbeing program. The program aims to provide the skills and knowledge for people to bring positive change in their lives, impacting in turn on the broader community.
Several USC staff and academics will present workshops, including Indigenous academic Robyn Parkes-Sandri, who said Professor Cadet-James was one of several exceptional presenters taking part in the event.
“The knowledge and experience shared by the presenters makes the attending the symposium extremely valuable for anyone who regularly engages with Indigenous Australians,” Ms Parkes-Sandri said.
“This year’s program is strongly focussed on enhancing understanding between Indigenous Australians and the broader community, while still addressing contemporary issues in Indigenous education.
“The symposium is for people who have an interest in, rather than just work regularly with, Indigenous people. There is an emerging group of Indigenous academics who bring richness and depth to a University because of their different world view.”
The final two days of the symposium are open to high school students only. Students will participate in a number of interactive workshops incorporating traditional art, cultural awareness and a campus walk exploring traditional Indigenous food sources and the history of the Sunshine Coast.
The symposium is open to anyone interested in Indigenous culture and affairs, with no charge to attend. For registration information, contact Susan Perry on 5459 4821 or email sperry@usc.edu.au. Registrations close on 7 October.
– Nathan Woulfe