Closing the Indigenous education gap

Chair of the Australian Indigenous Education at the University of New South Wales, Professor Martin Nakata, visited UQ this month to share his experience and vision around Indigenous studies.

Professor Nakata, Director of Nura Gili at the University of News South Wales, was the first Torres Strait Islander to receive a PhD degree in Australia.

Professor Nakata presented a lecture and two seminars to UQ academics and postgraduate students receiving an overwhelming response from the audience.

Dr Katelyn Barney from UQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit (ATSIS) said Professor Nakata’s research work focused on higher education curriculum areas, the academic preparation of Indigenous students and Indigenous knowledge.

During the first seminar, Professor Nakata examined the cultural interface as a methodological framework for studying the contemporary situation for Australian Indigenous people.

"Professor Nakata discussed his ongoing work on the cultural interface as a methodological framework for Australian Indigenous studies," Dr Barney said.

ATSIS Unit acting director Dr Col Dillon said the seminar was part of a new series for postgraduate Indigenous students.

"This is an initiative from ATSIS Unit to provide valuable insights and to minimise the gap for Aboriginal students in higher education studies," Dr Dillon said.

Professor Nakata discussed widening participation and social inclusion for Indigenous people during a second seminar.

"He sketched out the complex dimensions of supporting learning pathways of students without the necessary OP scores," Dr Barney said.

"He also addressed a need to rethink the formal learning situation in which these learners now participate in higher education studies."

The seminars were co-hosted by ATSIS, Emmanuel College and UQ's School of Education.

Media: Ariel Ho on 3365 1163 or a.ho@pf.uq.edu.au.