As the year of 2020 ended, many new beginnings presented for the Reconciliation Portfolio in 2021. The guiding notion of “resilience, flexibility and patience” set the pace for the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) journey in 2020.
Here we are, already one month in. New year, new leadership for the Indigenous Strategic Unit, new energy and approach to the review, implementation and journey of the final leg of the UOW ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-2021.
The emergent emphasis of collaboration at UOW rises to the forefront, as we work together to complete our ‘Innovate’ and move toward the development of our ‘Stretch’ plan.
As we draw closer to the completion of the inaugural UOW Reconciliation Action Plan, I would like to remind you of the top five priorities UOW has committed to. Furthermore, to reiterate the underpinning Reconciliation dimensions as outlined the governing peak body Reconciliation Australia.
The UOW top priorities areas targeted for Reconciliation – The FIVE C’s:
- Curriculum and research
- Completion
- Consultation
- Cultural awareness and recognition
- Community
The FIVE key Reconciliation dimensions as outlined by Reconciliation Australia:
- Historical acceptance
- Race relations
- Equality and equity
- Institutional integrity
- Unity
All five dimensions do not exist in isolation. They are interrelated and woven throughout UOW priorities to achieve results. Illuminating the success so far, include your contributions and demonstrated actions and achievements across all five key dimensions. Thus far, there is a reasonably even distribution of gain within the five UOW priorities. Significant changes in the areas of curriculum through Jindaola contributing to cultural safety and student completion rates. The amazing work and success programs through the collaborative partnerships of WIC and faculties. These are all wins on the UOW Reconciliation journey.
What’s next? There are a number of draft documents currently being socialised for endorsement in the areas of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Protocols, Procurement, Student Completion and Cultural Safety. All of which will play a significant role in stretching UOW into a higher and more culturally safe and culturally competent University.
We are ramping things up in 2021 and we want you on the journey. So, watch the space for:
- Real conversations on how we can work in partnership to meet targets within our plan
- Action and Fun collide in celebrating National Reconciliation Week
- Nominations for our inaugural ‘Reconciliation VC’s Award’
Jo Goulding
Reconciliation Action Plan Manager
Indigenous Strategy Unit