Reconciliation Statement

The University of Adelaide, acknowledges that the Kaurna Peoples are the original custodians of the Adelaide Plains and the land on which the University’s campuses at North Terrace, Waite, Thebarton and Roseworthy are built.

The University acknowledges the historical impact of colonisation and its continuing effects, and is committed to the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation vision: ‘A united Australia which respects this land of ours; values the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage; and provides justice and equity for all’.

The University of Adelaide offers high quality educational opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and is directing our expertise in education and research towards improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcomes across the country.

The University is committed to equity and diversity where the rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are taught, supported and celebrated. The 2003 Reconciliation Statement set the foundation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, research and engagement and while there has been success the University Indigenous participation rates remain low.

The University renews its commitment to reconciliation by endorsing a University-wide approach to Indigenous Education through its Tarrkarri Tirrka Integrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategy 2013-2023. Within a decade the University of Adelaide aims to:

  • Achieve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student participation rates to 2% of total students
  • Achieve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff workforce rates to 2% of total staff;
  • Increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, histories and perspectives in faculty course offerings and curriculum content, including staff cultural awareness training;
  • Develop and promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research and researchers;
  • Increase Indigenous cultural affirmation by raising the status and visibility of Indigenous cultures across all campuses;
  • Establish international collaborations and study opportunities;
  • Collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities;
  • Engage Kaurna Elders through the Memorandum of Understanding Agreement.

The University of Adelaide is proud of the achievements of its distinguished Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, graduates and staff and remains committed to working in partnership with the Indigenous Australian Community in a spirit of cooperation and reconciliation.

Professor Warren Bebbington

Professor Warren Bebbington
Vice-Chancellor and President
28 April 2014

The Hon. Robert M Hill AC
The Hon. Robert M Hill AC
Chancellor
28 April 2014