{"id":6791,"date":"2025-12-10T09:17:56","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T22:17:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/?p=6791"},"modified":"2025-12-10T09:17:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T22:17:56","slug":"blak-focus-december-2025-edition-making-kin-with-the-machines-indigenous-futures-in-ai","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/blak-focus-december-2025-edition-making-kin-with-the-machines-indigenous-futures-in-ai\/","title":{"rendered":"Blak Focus December 2025 Edition \u2013 \u201cMaking kin with the machines\u201d \u2013 Indigenous Futures in AI"},"content":{"rendered":"

It has been a few months since the last edition<\/span>\u00a0of Black Focus<\/span>\u00a0in July. Indigenous Programs has been\u00a0<\/span>busy with an important research project.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the July edition,\u00a0<\/span>we\u00a0<\/span>explored\u00a0<\/span>how a<\/span>rtificial intelligence<\/span>\u00a0(AI)\u00a0<\/span>reflects<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>bias and<\/span>\u00a0what happens when machine learning reproduces this bias<\/span>. Drawing on Lewis, Artisa,\u00a0<\/span>Pechawis<\/span>\u00a0and Kite\u2019s (2018)<\/span>\u00a0idea of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u2018<\/span>m<\/span>aking kin with the machine<\/span>s<\/span>\u2019<\/span><\/span><\/a>, I asked whether\u00a0<\/span>Indigenous knowledges could transform AI.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In this edition<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>I turn to\u00a0<\/span>examples<\/span>\u00a0of AI\u00a0<\/span>research, consultation and use<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0from across Australia and beyond. Indigenous communities are\u00a0<\/span>using or experimenting\u00a0<\/span>with AI<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>and GenAI in ways that reframe what<\/span>\u00a0technology can be an<\/span>d how it should serve<\/span>\u00a0community need<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u00a0<\/span>want to reassure you we\u00a0<\/span>haven\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0forgotten you and that Blak Focus will continue into 2026. However, we will aim to publish\u00a0<\/span>fewer<\/span>\u00a0editions that coincide with Deakin\u2019s teaching and learning schedules. In 2026, we will also invite guest writers to contribute on a range of topics. If you would like to contribute, please email\u00a0<\/span><\/span>lib-indigenous@deakin.edu.au<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Indigenous-<\/span>l<\/span>ed\u00a0<\/span>research and digital inclusions<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

Smith, in\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Decolonizing Method<\/span>ologies: Research and Indigenous Peoples<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>discusses<\/span>\u00a0research as a site of power<\/span>\u00a0and the\u00a0<\/span>historical\u00a0<\/span>problematics of research\u00a0<\/span>in Indigenous spaces and<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u201c<\/span>it\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0absolute usefulness to those who wielded it as an instrument<\/span>\u201d<\/span>\u00a0(Smith<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0p<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>3).\u00a0<\/span>Smith<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>also points out that\u00a0<\/span>\u201c<\/span>research is an integral part of the political structure<\/span>\u201d<\/span>\u00a0(Smith<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>p<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>145<\/span>)\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>on a global scale it informs\u00a0<\/span>our ways of knowing.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span><\/span><\/span>It seems<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>rather difficult<\/span>\u00a0to conceive of an Indigenous research agenda on such a scale. To imagine self-determination,\u00a0<\/span>however<\/span>\u00a0is also to imagine a world in which Indigenous<\/span>\u00a0peoples become active participants, and to prepare for the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead<\/span><\/span>\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0(Smith<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0p<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>145)<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Smith\u00a0<\/span>i<\/span>n<\/span>\u00a0discussing training Indigenous researchers\u00a0<\/span>discusses<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u2018insider\/outsider<\/span>\u00a0research<\/span>\u2019<\/span>\u00a0(202<\/span>1<\/span>).<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Western research has often been based on the outsider or objective perspectives<\/span>. Smith argues that much like Feminist and critical approaches,\u00a0<\/span>Indigenous researchers\u00a0<\/span>consider the spaces of insider and outsider perspectives<\/span>\u00a0(2021<\/span><\/span>,<\/span><\/span><\/span>\u00a0p<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>156<\/span>)<\/span>. Even as an Indigenous person within Indigenous knowledge systems and community contexts you might be an insider for some knowledge and an outsider for other knowledge. This understanding of Indigenous standpoint and methods of\u00a0<\/span>engagement and research i<\/span>s incredibly important for the academy to\u00a0<\/span>contextualise<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>how Indigenous-led research is different from purely Western research paradigms.\u00a0<\/span>This also influences\u00a0<\/span>perspectives\u00a0<\/span>and policies related to technology and digital inclusion.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Counting on Connectivity: Measuring Digital Inclusion for First Nations Australians<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/em>\u00a0<\/span>report\u00a0<\/span>d<\/span>escribes<\/span>\u00a0digital\u00a0<\/span>inclusion:\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDigital inclusion means having reliable, safe and affordable access to the internet and digital technologies, along with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to participate fully in social, cultural, and economic life”<\/span>(<\/span>Featherstone D, Parkinson S, Hawkins L, Barton A, Louie Y, Ormond- Parker L, Loban H, Johnson Y, Thomas J, Hegarty K.\u00a02025, p<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>8)<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The report\u00a0emphasises\u00a0the\u00a0key factors affecting digital inclusion related to remoteness, age, gender, household activities,\u00a0education, employment, disability, access,\u00a0affordability\u00a0and digital ability\u00a0(Featherstone. et al.\u00a02025). Further<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0the report\u00a0highlights\u00a0next steps related to the accelerated change of technology\u00a0and,\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRising reliance on automated and online systems including AI makes\u00a0digital capability and confidence essential. These tools can widen participation but may also deepen inequalities.\u00a0Our measurement will keep evolving so that indicators capture\u00a0emerging realities and risks.\u201d\u00a0(Featherstone.\u00a0et al.\u00a02025, p<\/span>71)<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As also highlighted in the last\u00a0<\/span>Blak Focus\u00a0<\/span>edition, f<\/span>or AI and GenAI to serve Indigenous\u00a0<\/span>peoples and c<\/span>ommunities<\/span>\u00a0it needs to be based on Indigenous knowledge systems and ways of\u00a0<\/span>being, knowing and doing<\/span>. Understanding AI and transforming it is incredibly important for Indigenous peoples to be included in the digital economy. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Abundant Intelligence,<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0an Indigenous research pro<\/span>ject<\/span>, aims to explore how AI is currently used to synthesise Indigenous knowledge practices with mainstream knowledge, \u2018conceptualise novel AI systems\u2019 and \u2018bring Indigenous perspectives to bear on technical challenges facing AI research (Abundant Intelligence, n.d.)<\/span>\u2019.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>The\u00a0<\/span>project\u00a0<\/span>hosts\u00a0<\/span>research presentation related to things such as<\/span>\u00a0AI<\/span>\u00a0supply chains, policy and governance of AI<\/span>\u00a0and Indigenous data sovereignty<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>The team is\u00a0<\/span>comprised<\/span>\u00a0of researchers from across Canada, The United States of America and Aotearoa\/New Zealand.\u00a0<\/span>I<\/span>\u2019d<\/span> recommend\u00a0<\/span>reading through<\/span>\u00a0the latest news to see upcoming presentations<\/span>, which anyone can join online<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Using AI with Indigenous knowledges<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

The use of AI and GenAI to\u00a0<\/span>assist<\/span>\u00a0with\u00a0<\/span>cultural learning and preservation is an important change in AI development.\u00a0<\/span>AI and GenAI as tools can<\/span>\u00a0be used in ways that are\u00a0<\/span>innovative and\u00a0<\/span>accessible and responsive to<\/span>\u00a0community\u00a0<\/span>needs<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>I\u00a0<\/span>assisted<\/span>\u00a0with\u00a0<\/span>an<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Ideas Box<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>with the <\/span><\/span>State Library of Western Australian and Libraries without Borders<\/span><\/span><\/a>,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>in\u00a0<\/span>Yungngora<\/span>\u00a0Community<\/span>, an Aboriginal community<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>in<\/span>\u00a0the<\/span>\u00a0Kimberely,\u00a0<\/span>Western Australian<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>I<\/span>\u00a0can tell you from first-hand experience, iPads and technology were the most used items<\/span>, books not so much.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ngalia\u00a0Country \u2013\u00a0two way\u00a0science app<\/h2>\n

On\u00a0Ngalia\u00a0Country in Western Australia, Traditional Owners\u00a0are using AI to\u00a0safeguard language and knowledge.\u00a0The\u00a0<\/span>Ngalia\u00a0Heritage\u00a0Research\u00a0Council<\/span><\/a> and Elders collaborated with\u00a0Kiwa\u00a0Digital \u2013<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>CultureQ\u2122<\/span><\/a>\u00a0to produce the\u00a0<\/span>Mamutjitji\u00a0Story<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0<\/span>two-way science\u00a0<\/span>app\u00a0<\/span>was created to help students learn about the life cycle of\u00a0<\/span>mamutjitji<\/span>\u00a0(antlion) on\u00a0<\/span>Ngalia<\/span>\u00a0Country<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>The\u00a0<\/span>Mamutjitji<\/span>\u00a0Story\u00a0<\/span>app<\/span>\u00a0is also an archival system that\u00a0<\/span>aids with language and cultural knowledge preservation and\u00a0<\/span>has enhanced features that \u2018automatically\u00a0<\/span>identifies<\/span>\u00a0sacred data and applies enhanced security measures\u2019 (Jenkins,\u00a0<\/span>2025).<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>The app<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>use<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Amazon Bedrock\u00a0<\/span>GenAI\u00a0<\/span>technology\u00a0<\/span>and provide<\/span>s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u2018text\u00a0<\/span>to speech, voice generation, translation capabilities and a chat function<\/span>\u2019 (<\/span>Jenkins, 2025)<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>The Research Council and Kiwa Digital created two-way science activity to complement learning with the app. The Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority have also created a <\/span><\/span>two<\/span>-way science at Leonora<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0to complement the learning.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>The\u00a0<\/span>Mamutjitji<\/span>\u00a0Story app was\u00a0<\/span>produced\u00a0<\/span>as a joint initiative by\u00a0<\/span>Ngalia<\/span>\u00a0Heritage\u00a0<\/span>Research\u00a0<\/span>Council,\u00a0<\/span>Walkatjurra<\/span>\u00a0Cultural Centre,\u00a0<\/span>CSIRO<\/span>\u00a0and Australia\u2019s National Science Agency<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Quinkan<\/span>\u00a0Country Rock Art<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

O<\/span>n\u00a0<\/span>Quinkan<\/span>\u00a0Country<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>near Laura\u00a0<\/span>in Far North Queensland<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>sits a significant Indig<\/span>en<\/span>ous rock art site<\/span>. The paintings<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>date back to approximately 17,000 years<\/span>\u00a0and<\/span>\u00a0depict figures from traditional stories\u00a0<\/span>of the Western Yalanji, Kuku Warra, Possum and (<\/span>Balnggarrwarra<\/span>) Guugu Yimidhirr people<\/span><\/span>\u00a0(<\/span><\/span>D<\/span>CCEEW, 2024<\/span><\/span><\/a>)<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Western Yalanji Traditional Owners with\u00a0<\/span>Elders,\u00a0<\/span>have partnered with the\u00a0<\/span>Laura\u00a0<\/span>Indigenous\u00a0<\/span>Rangers and Laura State\u00a0<\/span>School, technology<\/span>\u00a0and drone<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>companies and Griffith University to find and map sites and paintings.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Renee Cluff in\u00a0<\/span><\/span>How artificial intelligence is re-discovering lost\u00a0<\/span>Quinkan<\/span><\/em>\u00a0rock art in remote Cape York<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0discussed the<\/span>\u00a0project<\/span>\u00a0with KJR staff<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>It is<\/span>\u00a0remote and\u00a0<\/span>rugged and<\/span>\u00a0can be difficult to access sites<\/span>\u00a0by vehicle<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>Drones<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0in conjunction with\u00a0<\/span>traditional knowledge<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>are used to<\/span>\u00a0scout where a site might be.<\/span>\u00a0The sites are tagged using Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and photographs are taken.\u00a0<\/span>A<\/span>\u00a0visit on foot might\u00a0<\/span>also\u00a0<\/span>be needed<\/span>\u00a0to verify some paintings\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>sites<\/span>\u00a0or\u00a0<\/span>determine<\/span>\u00a0if\u00a0<\/span>it should<\/span>\u00a0be photographed further based on things like men\u2019s or women\u2019s business.<\/span>\u00a0AI is then used\u00a0<\/span>to help<\/span> with some of the classification of the paintings\u00a0<\/span>(Cluff, 2022).<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Griffith University<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0worked with the\u00a0<\/span>Rangers and Elders to \u2018lead design of a culturally\u00a0<\/span>appropriate AI<\/span>\u00a0prototype to digitally catalogue the rock art motifs\u2019 (202<\/span>3<\/span>b<\/span>).<\/span>\u00a0For example,\u00a0<\/span>identifying<\/span>\u00a0kangaroo paintings based on Traditional Owners\u2019 understanding of each species and how they are portrayed in the rock art paintings<\/span>. <\/span>Dr Troy Meston (<\/span>Gamiloroi<\/span>) Curriculum Development Lead<\/span>\u00a0describe<\/span>d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>young people\u2019s inclination to use technology and the importance of AI in learning.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>The idea of using machine learning and AI on country and connected to ancient sandstone rock art sites is an innovative way to expose Indigenous kids to opportunities they wouldn\u2019t necessarily get<\/span>\u201d (<\/span><\/span>Griffith University, 202<\/span>3<\/span>b<\/span><\/span><\/a>)<\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Partners in the project include Athena AI, Emesent, Flyfreely, Maxus AI, World of Drones Education, KJR and supported by the Pearl Jam\u2019s Vitality Foundation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As we look toward 2026 Blak Focus will continue to hold space for these conversations wher<\/span>e<\/span>\u00a0Indigenous sovereignty, digital futures\u00a0and collective responsibility converge.\u00a0\u2018Making kin with the machines\u2019\u00a0is a provocation and ongoing\u00a0invitation to reimagine how technology, research and Indigenous knowledge systems can be shaped by, for and with Indigenous peoples and communities.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Authored by Tui Raven,\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>Senior Manager, Indigenous Programs<\/span><\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

References<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Abundant Intelligence. (2024).\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/abundant-intelligences.net\/about\/#research<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (n.d.)\u00a0Two-way science at Leonora: investigating the\u00a0Mamutjitji\u00a0(antlion) and other invertebrates<\/span>
\n<\/span>https:\/\/v8.australiancurriculum.edu.au\/resources\/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-histories-and-cultures\/illustrations-of-practice\/two-way-science-at-leonora-investigating-the-mamutjitji-antlion-and-other-invertebrates\/<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Cluff, Renee.\u00a0(2022).\u00a0How artificial intelligence is re-discovering lost\u00a0Quinkan\u00a0rock art in remote Cape York\u00a0in Tropic Now 23 August 2022\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/www.tropicnow.com.au\/2022\/august\/23\/how-artificial-intelligence-is-re-discovering-lost-quinkan-rock-art-in-remote-cape-york<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water\u00a0(DCEEEW).\u00a0(2024).\u00a0Cultural Landscapes of Cape York Peninsula added to Australia\u2019s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List<\/span>
\n<\/span>https:\/\/www.dcceew.gov.au\/about\/news\/cultural-landscapes-cape-york-peninsula-australias-unesco-world-heritage-tentative-list<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Featherstone D, Parkinson S, Hawkins L, Barton A, Louie Y, Ormond- Parker L, Loban H, Johnson Y, Thomas J, Hegarty K, (2025).\u00a0<\/span>Counting on Connectivity: Measuring Digital Inclusion for First Nations Australians in 2025<\/span><\/i>, Melbourne: ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society.\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.60836\/qjpb-0579<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Griffith University. (2023a).\u00a0Preserving Aboriginal rock art with\u00a0cutting-edge\u00a0AI\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/www.griffith.edu.au\/advancement\/giving\/why-giving-matters\/preserving-aboriginal-rock-art-with-cutting-edge-ai<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Griffith University. (2023b). Rock stars help accelerate rock art preservation and rural digital literacy project.\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/span>https:\/\/news.griffith.edu.au\/2023\/10\/06\/rock-stars-help-accelerate-rock-art-preservation-and-rural-digital-literacy-project\/<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Jenkins, K. (2025) Preserving cultural knowledge and language using AI in National Indigenous Times\u00a021 February 2025\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/nit.com.au\/21-02-2025\/16422\/preserving-cultural-knowledge-and-language-using-ai<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kiwa\u00a0Digital. (n.d.).\u00a0Mamutjitji\u00a0Story\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/kiwadigital.com\/projects\/mamutjitji-story-a-dreamtime-narrative\/<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Kiwa Digital. (n.d) Kiwa Digital Services\u00a0–\u00a0CultureQ\u2122\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/kiwadigital.com\/services\/<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Libraries without Borders\u00a0(<\/span>Biblioth\u00e8ques Sans Fronti\u00e8res)<\/span>. (n.d.) Ideas Box <\/span>https:\/\/www.librarieswithoutborders.org\/ideasbox\/<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lewis, J. E., Arista, N.,\u00a0Pechawis, A., & Kite, S. (2018). Making Kin with the Machines. Journal of Design and Science.\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.21428\/bfafd97b<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ngalia\u00a0Heritage Research Council (Aboriginal Corporation)\u00a0(n.d.).\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/www.ngalia.org\/home<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Smith, L. T. (2021).\u00a0<\/span>Decolonizing\u00a0Methodologies :\u00a0research and indigenous peoples<\/span><\/i>. Zed Books. Retrieved from\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/research.ebsco.com\/c\/np77rt\/search\/details\/lmzqdzk6qf?db=nlebk<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Spencer, E. (2017) Ticking all the right boxes in\u00a0<\/span>Incite<\/span><\/i>\u00a0Australian Library and Information Association\u00a0January\/February 2017\u00a0p. 17\u00a0<\/span>https:\/\/www5.austlii.edu.au\/au\/journals\/inCiteALIA\/2017\/3.pdf<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It has been a few months since the last edition\u00a0of Black Focus\u00a0in July. Indigenous Programs has been\u00a0busy with an important research project. In the July edition,\u00a0we\u00a0explored\u00a0how artificial intelligence\u00a0(AI)\u00a0reflects\u00a0bias and\u00a0what happens when machine learning reproduces this bias. Drawing on Lewis, Artisa,\u00a0Pechawis\u00a0and Kite\u2019s (2018)\u00a0idea of\u00a0\u2018making kin with the machines\u2019, I asked whether\u00a0Indigenous knowledges could transform AI.\u00a0\u00a0 In […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":128203,"featured_media":6792,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[244,25,60],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6791","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blak-focus","category-general-interest","category-news"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/326\/2025\/12\/Blak-Focus-blog-banner-1.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pao1A6-1Lx","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6791","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/128203"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6791"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6791\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6815,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6791\/revisions\/6815"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6792"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6791"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6791"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6791"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}