Indigenisation of curricula: intent, initiatives and implementation

Indigenous education is a national priority in the Australian Tertiary Education sector. Consistent with this priority, in its 2008 Report on the Audit of the University of Newcastle, the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) affirmed the University’s ‘desire to expand the Indigenisation of curricula’ (AUQA, 2008). In meeting this goal the University recognizes several challenges, including defining ‘Indigenisation’ and what it entails; the limited development of Indigenous pedagogical frameworks in Australia; and the sector-wide shortage of Indigenous academics. This paper examines the University of Newcastle’s progress towards our goal of Indigenised curricula by focusing on three inter-related issues: auditing Indigenous content across the University; examining models of good practice; and capacity building staff.