Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The University acknowledges that, since its foundation in 1853, our shared history with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has been tainted by colonisation and institutional racism. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were excluded from our University community for more than 100 years. We recognise these and other failures of the society of which we are part and which we serve. We also acknowledge and apologise for the historic and current injustices that have been and are to the detriment of the health and wellbeing and educational and living standards of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this country.
Our purpose is to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. The University of Melbourne commits itself, in carrying out its mission of education and research, to actions to right the historical wrongs done to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of our nation.
Murmuk Djerring
Indigenous Strategy 2023–2027
CONTENT WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that Murmuk Djerring contains images and names of people who have died. The late Professor Gumbula and his family have given permission for continuing use of his full name and images for professional purposes. With respect to Yolŋu law, his Yolŋu given name should not be spoken for one year following his passing until 20 September 2024. His family asks his that academic contributions be remembered in this way respectfully.
Our Priorities
Priority 1:
Leadership
Significantly expand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership capability within and beyond the University.
Priority 2:
Place, Heritage and Culture
Improving the lived experiences of our Indigenous students, staff and partners by co-creating projects with them in the built and natural environments of our campuses, and by promoting cultural awareness and recognition of cultural heritage.
Priority 3:
Partnerships
Achieving social change and impact with and for the communities we serve by developing enduring partnerships with those communities and organisations on whose lands our campuses are located, and where we engage together in teaching, learning, and research activities.
Priority 4:
Indigenous Knowledge
Promoting the recognition, curation and activation of Indigenous knowledge and value systems across the university.
Priority 5:
Truth-telling and Justice
Recognising its crucial role in upholding truth-telling and justice for Indigenous Australia, the University commits to acknowledge its contributions to past injustices, foster healing through open dialogue, and actively address historical and current injustices to deepen our understanding of the world.
Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and Elders
The University of Melbourne particularly acknowledges and is grateful to the following Traditional Owners and Elders (listed below in alphabetical order). They have been instrumental in our reconciliation journey, and have guided the approach and design of our Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) and this Indigenous Strategy.
- Uncle Graham Atkinson
- Dr Sharon Atkinson-Briggs
- Uncle Jim Berg
- N’arweet Dr Carolyn Briggs AM
- Denise Bowden
- Paul Briggs OAM
- Janine Coombs
- Uncle Kevin Coombs OAM
- Aunty Diane Kerr OAM
- Kelly Lehmann
- Aunty Lyn McInnes
- Aunty Loraine Padgham
- Aunty Sandra Smith
- Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin AO
About the Artist and the Artwork
Samantha Richards is a proud Indigenous woman from the Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung Tribes. In April 2019, she started her business Connecting Two Worlds with the aim of sharing traditional and modern Indigenous culture, through education and art, with students in childcare, primary and high school. Sam also shares traditional culture through contemporary Indigenous art in the form of murals, canvas and digital works using traditional Wurundjeri and Victorian symbols to create stories, share knowledge, and bring culture to the forefront, allowing it to be immersed into modern culture for all to see.
This artwork is titled Murmuk Djerring – Working Together to reflect the theme of the University’s Indigenous Strategy. It depicts the layers of the land, and the generations of peoples who have lived on this land, and the rich cultures and history that lie under their feet. It is about everyone from all walks of life coming together and bringing their individuality, uniqueness and diversity, experiences and knowledge, to learn and to share. It is where all the pieces of the puzzle connect, and by working together how we can strive for a future of positive change.