Deakin University celebrated a milestone in March in its commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, with the rebranding of IKE to the National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research and Innovation (NIKERI) Institute.
NIKERI Institute Director Associate Professor Gabrielle Fletcher said this exciting shift will broaden the scope of teaching, learning, research and innovation in Indigenous Higher Education at Deakin and beyond, capturing a national footprint whilst still maintaining critical relationships with local communities.
“Our vision for NIKERI Institute is to contribute and showcase the value and vibrancy of Australian First Nations Knowledge Systems, cultures, traditions, histories, perspectives and insights.”
The Institute’s unique Community Based Delivery (CBD) approach to learning provides students the flexibility to gain access to higher education while continuing to live in their home community and maintain family, work and cultural obligations. The CBD model offers a combination of on-campus study blocks and supported learning in home communities, strengthened by Deakin’s leading digital platform. Students can access supplementary tutors in both located and community settings, as well as learning advisors to build academic and digital capabilities to engage and succeed through their degree programs.
“We are a culturally safe learning space where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples can come to pursue a tertiary education.” Associate Professor Fletcher said.
The appointment of Professor Mark Rose as the Pro-Vice Chancellor Indigenous Strategy and Innovation is also an opportunity to provide leadership in Indigenous education, research and community engagement to support the University’s vision for Indigenous participation and success and further support strategies in place across Deakin.
Professor Rose said the university has a history of providing a culturally respectful and supportive space for students and community to grow.
“This place walks in tandem with the heartbeat of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. That has always been and will always be the essence of Deakin.”
The university’s commitment to Indigenous Knowledges is demonstrated with the growth of Aboriginal Studies elective units at Deakin. Developed and delivered by NIKERI Institute’s Indigenous academic staff, these units have expanded from the one initial offering in 2017 to four in 2020 and more in development. Content ranges from politics and history, Story and Songlines, to understanding Indigenous experiences and perspectives.
“Moving forward, I also see expansion of the subjects we offer to the broader Deakin cohort. This is critical to fostering productive and meaningful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and all other Australians to ensure we work together in forging a shared contemporary Australian narrative.” Associate Professor Fletcher said.
While NIKERI Institute has always welcomed students from across Australia, this year’s renaming re-establishes a strategic commitment to community connections, meaningful relationships and co-actioning. As part of a suite of initiatives to coincide with the expansion of the Institute, a Community Pathways Plan is underway.
A national roadshow visiting schools and organisations across the country will embark in early 2021. In the meantime, NIKERI Institute will be connecting with First Nations communities through a series of upcoming virtual events. The program aims to strengthen Deakin’s connection to communities nationally, while building pathways to higher education.
NIKERI Institute is committed to partnering with communities, connecting to Country and enabling self determination to empower all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It’s your education, your community.
NIKERI Institute Partnerships Coordinator, Kiri Wicks is connecting to schools and organisations across Australia.