We are committed to creating a supportive community for our staff, students and communities to further develop their skills, knowledge and capacity to engage with reflexive and culturally responsive learnings.
The University of Wollongong's "You Can't Say That" guide was created in response to a need for respectful communication, particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Unintentional misuse of language can create unsafe spaces and hinder meaningful engagement. The guide originally focused on what terms to avoid, but has since expanded to include fostering respectful relationships, cultural safety, and allyship.
The recent referendum process highlighted the importance of truth-telling and healing. While there was support for reconciliation, it also exposed racism and a lack of understanding. "You Can't Say That" aims to be a resource for navigating respectful relationships, recognizing and combating racism, and ultimately building new understandings and connections. This is an opportunity for all to learn, explore, and engage in the process of reconciliation.
The University of Wollongong (UOW) have partnered with The Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) to deliver you a comprehensive, reflective and self-paced baseline cultural awareness course. This interactive course is designed to enhance cultural capability across UOW and build greater awareness of the vast history and cultural heritage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Core Cultural Learning contains 10 modules of approximately 45 minutes each. Each module contains a variety of videos and quality resources that provide a foundation for understanding of traditional knowledges, cultural expression and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. This is available to staff on Unified and for students through the AIATSIS Learning Ground.
Please contact UOW's Aboriginal Employment Strategy Advisor if you have any questions or require additional information.
The University of Wollongong offers a wide range of courses and subjects across all faculties, many are considered best practices in their fields. These courses promote a deep cultural understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. With strong cultural foundations, these subjects prepare students for careers where they will be working closely with Aboriginal communities.
Indigenous Studies at UOW explores the complexities of Indigenous identity, history, and challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities globally.
Co-designed with a broad range of First Nations people and Indigenous organisations, the core subjects are taught using an Indigenous Framework, in a culturally safe and inclusive environment.
Utilising Aboriginal and Western concepts of trauma, this course focuses historical, cumulative impact of trauma and current day experiences