Indigenous Knowledge

Discover how learning and knowledge is shared in the world’s oldest living cultures. Our degree explores Indigenous histories, knowledge systems, health and wellbeing, and ways of living. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in a range of professional sectors including health, community services, tourism, business, justice or policy and research. For more info, and to apply visit scu.edu.au/indigenous-knowledge

Culturally safe

dynamic and innovative course for all people Strong links

with local Elders and communities as well as international relationships

The cultural lens we all need

Atalanta Lloyd-Haynes Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge with Honours student

As a mature-aged student with a drive to delve deeper into social issues, Atalanta Lloyd-Haynes thought an arts degree with a major in cultural studies was just what she was looking for. A couple of years into the degree however, she realised she needed something else. She needed a different way of looking at university study altogether. A casual conversation with Southern Cross academic Dr Stuart Barlo convinced her to try studying Indigenous Knowledge. “We’re all colonised, every single one of us and we’re being damaged by that. We need to shift our lens to being relational and that’s where Indigenous Knowledge comes in – it’s about relationships,” she said. “That gives us the tools to work more respectfully with each other.” “We look at a broad range of ideas and concepts. It’s a way of contextualising the world we live in. And for non-Indigenous people who want to work with Indigenous communities, it gives a better understanding of the context we live in.”

Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples

Situated on the University’s Lismore campus in the heart of the Bundjalung Nation on the North Coast of NSW, Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples is also represented at the Coffs Harbour and Gold Coast campuses, on the territories of the Gumbaynggirr People and Nganduwal Minjungbal/ Yugambeh People of the northern end of Bundjalung Country respectively. The name Gnibi was gifted to the University by Widjabul Elders of the Bundjalung Nation and is the Bundjalung word for ‘black swan’. It is also the name the Bundjalung people gave to the star system, or constellation, that early European explorers called the ‘Southern Cross’. Gnibi College is committed to delivering culturally safe, dynamic and innovative courses, providing professional career pathways, and engaging in scholarship and research relevant to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“My aim is to enhance learning in the classroom for Indigenous students by privileging the voice of local Elders and knowledge holders.” Kylie Day, Dharawal woman and PhD candidate, Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples, pictured in front of artwork by Sheldon Harrington.

Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies

Duration

3 years Starts February, June Total units 24 Location Lismore CRICOS 088054C 2021 Tuition fees Unit $3,500 I Annual $28,000 Admission requirements: Qualification equivalent to an Australian Bachelor degree; and English language comparable to Academic IELTS 7.0 with no band less than 6.0. Application process includes an interview. The Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies is a program of study by coursework and a research thesis. The course is designed to provide high-level research skills for Indigenous people and for those interested in careers in the Indigenous sector. The qualification is aimed at providing important and specific opportunities at both national and international levels for Indigenous peoples, those working within Indigenous communities, the private and public sector, for the progression of in-depth studies on issues relevant to Indigenous communal futures. In leading your own research project – with support and guidance from our experts – you’ll work towards providing tangible benefits to Indigenous peoples.

Career opportunities

Graduates can seek careers in research and academia, government bodies, professional or community sectors, in policy development, service delivery, program evaluation, and as leaders and high-level managers.