Artwork by Sheldon ‘SJ’ Harrington

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scu.edu.au/gnibi

Indigenous Knowledge 2019/2020

Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples – Courses in Indigenous Knowledge2

1. Indigenous Knowledge is relevant, ethical, intelligent, effective and a useful way of knowing.

2. Indigenous peoples are active, able and worthy peoples.

3. The truth about our histories and value of Indigenous ways are determined by us; we carry this knowledge.

4. Elders hold our Aboriginal spirituality and our culture close. We choose what is open and shared and what will be closed. Aboriginal spirituality is the basis for life, Indigenous education and cultural competency – it infuses everything.

5. Our knowledge is relational. Our principles are the basis for Southern Cross University to establish and sustain an active, informed and respectful relationship with Indigenous Elders who will give considered collective input. The continuance of this relationship through the Elders group is essential.

6. Culture is sacred to us. We are and own this living culture. We do not need a ‘book’. We share with you so that you can learn how to listen and hear what we say.

7. Identity is based upon things [inside] beneath the surface. Empowered, individual, affirmed identity is the basis of positive, productive, healthy and non-destructive lives – opportunities to engage and build knowledge builds strong mob through [inside] learning*.

8. Learning every day with each other has to be informed and sustained by a politic of open, positive and ethical interactions.

9. We as Elders have presented these things all our lives without being heard – we are often listened to but our message is not heard nor heeded. We take this opportunity to speak in the understanding that you will listen in the right way, hear us and learn.

*[...] denotes culturally significant understandings in English words.

GNIBI ELDERS’ PRINCIPLES

“There is no doubt that Southern Cross University is on the cusp of great things. A key measure of this aspiration is our daily, lived respect for the Indigenous peoples of the Northern Rivers and coastal regions of New South Wales and Queensland – and all territories where the University operates.”

Professor Adam Shoemaker Vice Chancellor and President Southern Cross University

VICE CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE

Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples – Courses in Indigenous Knowledge 3

Degree Locations Units Duration (years)

Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge

Lismore & Online 24 3 full-time6 part-time

Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge With Honours

Lismore & Online 8 1 full-time2 part-timefollowing successful completion of the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge

Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Knowledge(New in 2019)

Lismore & Online 8 1 full-time2 part-time

Master of Indigenous Philosophies

Lismore & Online N/A 2 full-time4 part-time

Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies

Lismore & Online 24 3 full-time6 part-time

Doctor of Philosophy (Indigenous Philosophies) PhD research degree

Lismore & Online N/A 3 full-time6 part-time

Gnibi College at Southern Cross University is committed to delivering culturally safe, dynamic and innovative Indigenous studies. Undergraduate and postgraduate degrees are offered at Lismore campus and online to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Students experience a teaching and learning process that is founded on principles of social justice, cultural integrity, inclusion and healing.

WHY STUDY WITH GNIBI?Students enrolled in courses with Gnibi attend classes on campus or online led by Aboriginal academics. The program of study engages Aboriginal ways of being, knowing and doing to prepare students for professional employment in Aboriginal social enterprise, land and community management and Aboriginal health care. The program provides entry assistance and ongoing academic support for all students.

GNIBI COLLEGE OF INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIAN PEOPLES

Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples – Courses in Indigenous Knowledge4

BACHELOR OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGEThe Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge is specifically designed to communicate and generate a better understanding of Indigenous world views by exploring past and present histories in a culturally diverse and supportive environment.

The degree increases awareness of Aboriginal and other Indigenous peoples’ histories, ways of living and social commitments while raising understanding between all people of matters relevant to a shared and valued future. The course offers majors to prepare graduates for diverse professional pathways where

a sound basis of Indigenous knowledge is required. Students begin studying these majors from their second year.

Scholarship and contemporary academic development and standards in Indigenous and non-Indigenous contexts are a core component in preparing graduates for employment pathways.

Eligible graduates of the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge can apply to undertake the one-year Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge with Honours, as a pathway to the Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies.

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The Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies is a program of study by coursework and research that comprises 24 units which include 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, in the private and public sector, for Indigenous peoples and those working within Indigenous communities, for the progression of in-depth knowledge on issues relevant to Indigenous communal futures.

Public and private sector organisations are encouraged to sponsor their staff to undertake the Doctorate, with the aim of conducting essential ethical and engaged research deemed critical to the health and human services sector and for policy development.

The focus of the candidate’s research will be negotiated and agreed to by the candidate, their supervisor, and the Dean of Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples. Candidates will be encouraged to restrict their investigations to issues that are relevant to, and provide benefit for, Indigenous peoples.

DOCTOR OF INDIGENOUS PHILOSOPHIES

My name is Nick Freeburn and I have spent the last four years studying the Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies with Gnibi at Southern Cross University. I live in Casino, NSW and I culturally connect to the Bundjalung Nation.

I guess what attracted me to the program was that it was offered as a mixture of coursework units and research. After consulting with my supervisors and writing my research proposal, my final research idea was to examine the issues that affect Aboriginal people living in Casino. The Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies has taken me on a great academic journey. I am not going to lie, it wasn’t easy, but at the same time, I am going to be extremely honest, it was one of the best degrees I have ever studied. In October 2018 my thesis was submitted for examination and in January 2019 I received notice that I was recommended for the award of Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies for my research.

My advice to all potential students is to find a research topic that you are really passionate about and fuel that idea by keeping your eyes on the prize. I am currently working two part-time jobs, one as the Learning Circle Facilitator at Social Futures and the other as a Lecturer at Southern Cross University. As part of building on my academic career, I will be presenting a paper at Hamilton in New Zealand in June 2019. I would recommend the Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies to students who want a deeper understanding of Indigenous Knowledge that includes philosophies, paradigms and methodologies which are connected to our ways of being, doing and knowing.

DR NICK FREEBURN

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I am the great-granddaughter of tribal woman Sarah Lloyd, of the Gubbi Gubbi Nation of south-east Queensland. I am also a descendant of the South Sea Islander Peoples of Gaua Island in Vanuatu from where my great-grandfather was stolen into slavery and of Irish immigrants who came to Australia.

I am a co-founder of a small consulting firm that carries out work, research and evaluation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. I have been a student at Southern Cross University for many years, completing my undergraduate degree in Indigenous Studies, then my Honours and now I am undertaking my PhD. My research aims to understand what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples believe is important to measure when working within their communities and give insights into how evaluation can be carried out.

I enjoyed my undergraduate study immensely at Southern Cross. I was working in a very demanding job at the time and being external and part-time gave me flexibility and choice. When I completed my degree, I knew there was so much more to learn, and I especially wanted to learn how to research at a higher level. My group of fellow Honours students met regularly, and we worked together on learning and discussing things that are important in the Indigenous space. It was incredibly inspiring and satisfying, but also loads of fun and laughs.

My PhD research is closely linked to my professional life and this is incredibly powerful as it strengthens my knowledge, confidence and credibility in the workplace. It allows me to contribute to the University knowledge base in a meaningful way.

NICOLE TUJAGUEDOCTOR OF INDIGENOUS PHILOSOPHIES

Gnibi seeks to empower Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples through providing units of study that increase the knowledge of and understanding about Indigenous peoples, cultures and world views. A dedicated team of staff work with integrity towards Indigenous teaching and research to provide students with positive learning outcomes.

Students who wish to investigate and research an area of special interest to create a new body of knowledge may wish to undertake a research degree – a Master of Indigenous Philosophies (Research), or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Working under the mentorship and supervision of an established academic researcher, researchers will develop and conduct their own research projects that build upon and apply Indigenous Knowledge to real world community contexts.

The Masters by Research or PhD through Gnibi is particularly suited for those advanced students who want to pursue a career in academia.

RESEARCH DEGREES

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GNIBI ELDERS

GNIBI ACADEMICS

Uncle Charles Moran

Aunty Hazel Rhodes

Aunty Irene Harrington

Uncle Herb Roberts

Uncle Greg Harrington

Aunty Mary Graham

Aunty Gwen Hickling

Important Notices1. The information in this brochure was correct at the time of publishing (May 2019). All University courses may be subject to change by the University and the information provided in this brochure should be used as a guide only. To the extent permitted at law, the University excludes all liability (including all losses, damages, costs and expenses of whatever nature) arising from the use of, or reliance on, any of the Information contained in this brochure. Copyright Southern Cross University, May 2019. SCU75262. This publication is intended for Australian domestic students only. Students from other countries should not rely on this information as it may not be applicable. International students should contact SCU International or visit SCU International’s website scu.edu.au/international for information that is applicable to them about courses, accommodation, support services and how to apply.

Uncle Des Williams

Aunty Dale Williams Aunty Elva Dickfoss

Aunty Bea Ballangarry Uncle Rob Bryant

Dr Liz RixLecturerliz.rix@scu.edu.au

Darlene RotumahLecturerdarlene.rotumah@scu.edu.au

Janine DunleavyDirector of Teaching and Learningjanine.dunleavy@scu.edu.au

Will DavisCourse Coordinatorwill.davis@scu.edu.au

Dr Shawn WilsonLecturershawn.wilson@scu.edu.au

Lyndon MurphyLecturerlyndon.murphy@scu.edu.au

Rod WilliamsLecturerrod.h.williams@scu.edu.au

Nicole TujagueLecturernicole.tujague@scu.edu.au

Professor Norm SheehanDeannorm.sheehan@scu.edu.au

Dr. Stuart Barlo Lecturer stuart.barlo@scu.edu.au

GENERAL ENQUIRIES02 6620 3645 – Sheldon Harrington (Reception)

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS02 6620 3645 – Will Davis

HONOURS & RESEARCH PROGRAMSHonours Programs: 02 6620 3645 – Will Davis Research Programs: 02 6620 3959 – Professor Norm Sheehan

CAMPUS CONTACTS07 5589 3124 – Darlene Rotumah (Gold Coast) 02 6659 3640 – Rod Williams (Coffs Harbour)02 6620 3959 – Professor Norm Sheehan (Lismore)

Go to scu.edu.au/howtoapply or talk to a student advisor on 1800 626 481

QUESTIONS? GIVE US A CALL

HOW TO APPLY

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