Strategic Indigenous Cultural Awareness Workshop

To understand the present we must understand the past

Monash University “recognises and values Indigenous Australian cultural knowledge and experience Indigenous People bring to the University”. In valuing the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their cultures, you are invited to a cultural awareness workshop, facilitated, by Mr Grant Sarra from Queensland.

The aim of the workshop is to strengthen relationships between the Aboriginal communities and Monash University.

The workshop addresses historical and contemporary cultural issues that have and are affecting Indigenous People today, and it is a stepping stone toward the formation of a culturally sensitive and rewarding working environment at Monash.

Friday, 3 October
See Invitation to Attend (pdf, 93kb)

Preface

This interactive program provides you with a unique learning approach. The program provides a simulation of Indigenous Australians’ experience, supplemented with information exchange sessions and allows you to walk briefly in Indigenous footsteps.

The program journeys through the three stages of Indigenous society and delivers you with a greater appreciation, understanding, sensitivity and respect for the plight of Indigenous Australians.

At completion of the program you will have increased awareness and knowledge of:

• The three stages in which Indigenous society evolved - Traditional, Transitional, and Contemporary
• The impact of past events and issues confronting Indigenous Australians today
• The core issues and concerns of Indigenous people, and the factors that contribute to their disadvantaged position
• The diversity of Indigenous Australian people living in urban, rural, and remote communities
• The cultural and structural barriers that inhibit effective communication, negotiation, and consultation with Indigenous individuals and communities

You will also become more aware of:

• Why diversity should be valued
• Why racism + ignorance = insecurity
• Why discrimination and harassment should not be tolerated in any workplace or society

We hope that you can take something from this program that you can transfer into your work, social or family life – and in so doing contribute in a small way to the healing of our Nation.

٭ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are two distinct cultural groups.
In recognition of this, and as a sign of respect, this program does not attempt to explain the culture or traditions of Torres Strait Islander people. We strongly recommend that organisations employ the services of recognised Torres Strait Islander presenters/consultants to develop and deliver separate programs relating to this distinct cultural group.

This program also acknowledges that “Aboriginal” and “Indigenous” are introduced terms. In this respect recognition is given to the traditional names of the original inhabitants.