Respect, responsibility, and reciprocity are the foundations of the Jindaola Program that aims to embed Aboriginal ways and knowledges into the UOW curriculum.
Introduction
Jindaola journey - FRLS
What excited us about taking part in the Jindaola program was the opportunity to partner with other UOW units to progress strategic teaching, learning and research goals, and to develop skills and knowledge to actively embed Aboriginal knowledges and perspectives into the core functions of collections, discovery, and access.
Unlike western-style projects that target predefined goals in rigid timelines, Jindaola is a learning experience to provide a deep level of understanding. Learnings are reached through a series of group experiences (gatherings) where Aboriginal methods of sharing, such as yarning circles, are used to forge deeper knowledge of each other in respect and reciprocity. Learnings can be individual or within a group. There is no right or wrong way of doing or knowing.
Having a deeper understanding of Aboriginal ways and knowledges has opened new ways of doing and being. For example, understanding the importance of Country to Aboriginal peoples opens ways to better acknowledge Country, both individually and in the Library’s physical and online spaces.
Understanding the history and impact of colonisation opens ways to recognise colonising discourse and practice and helps break the cycle of assumptions. This program is helping us adopt more culturally safe practices for community, relationships, spaces, and collections.
In December 2021, our commitment to Jindaola was recognised for Outstanding Best Practice at the Jindaola Best Practice Symposium.
Illustration by Jade Kennedy
