Recognition, healing and working to put things right ways.
In light of the 2023 Referendum, the Indigenous Strategy Unit deeply reflected upon the impacts this will have on our reconciliation journey. We acknowledge and appreciate the work undertaken by the wider university who championed Indigenous recognition through action. However, we are cognisant that this commitment, drive and dedication has not been echoed nationally. So, our new focus moving forward into 2024, will be on developing a Recognition and Healing Plan (RAHP). The RAHP will place a strong emphasis on the importance of actively healing the whole community and its institutions while individuals work on their own healing. Our RAHP will endeavour to focus on solutions, strengths, positive narratives and celebrating success.
As we step away from the vacant notion of reconciling and move towards the enlightenment of recognition and healing, our commitment to caring for Country, education, creating safe spaces, eliminating racism and healing will remain central to our relationships, our work, and our engagements. Key focus areas will also be drawn from walking alongside Indigenous university colleagues and Community, together we will engage in deep reflection on healing and recognition at UOW, in our community and in the wider Higher Education sector.
One of the most exciting factors is that UOW will no longer be bound to a set template using fixed terminology, where we are unable to uphold our institutional integrity. Our template can and will be structured in accordance with the core functions of a university. The new RAHP will provide us with an opportunity to begin to reimagine ourselves and Indigenous Advancement in the Higher Education sector.