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Indigenous matters

Learn about Federation's commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, staff and community.

Acknowledgement of Country

Federation University Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which our campuses, centres and field stations are located, and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. Federation University Australia also acknowledges the continuing and unceded sovereignty of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations.
 
Learn more about how we recognise Traditional Owners.

Federation’s founding legislation recognises our enduring responsibility to First Peoples’ communities across teaching, learning, research and the advancement of knowledge. We're committed to working in genuine partnership with First Peoples’ communities to embed First Peoples’ perspectives across all aspects of our operations – creating culturally immersive learning environments, celebrating culture and contributing to closing the education and employment gap.

Aboriginal Education Centre

The AEC provides culturally safe pathways to university, supports student wellbeing and promotes First Peoples events.

Ways to connect with us

Future students
If you're thinking of studying at Federation, find out how we can support your education journey with meaningful connection to culture and communities.
Current students
Studying with us already? Drop into the AEC to organise an individual wellbeing plan, book a counselling session or just have a yarn.
Organisations
Find out how you can partner with the AEC to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students explore career pathways and transition to work.
Prospective staff
If you can see yourself working at Federation, explore our current job vacancies or register your interest for future employment opportunities.

Creating a Reconciliation Action Plan?

If you're looking for advice about what to include in an organisational Reconciliation Action Plan, please contact the National Centre for Reconciliation, Truth and Justice.

Latest news

Federation University secures prestigious wins at Wurreker Awards
Read more
Katrina Beer, Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous
New role will drive Indigenous success at Federation University
Read more
Championing Indigenous expertise and inclusion at ASEAN summit
Read more

Connect to Country on campus

We're creating safe and welcoming spaces at many of our campuses so Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students and community members can connect to Country and celebrate culture. We want to build understanding, honour diverse traditions and acknowledge the enduring connection First Peoples have with the land.

Wayn-Gurr Derrk Indigenous Community Gardens

Wayn-Gurr Derrk is Wadawurrung language for 'good ground'. The garden, located at Mt Helen Campus, provides students and the wider University community with access to a wide range of endemic and Australian plants, including many edible varieties. Read more about the Community Gardens.

Places of Being

Places of Being will host cultural practices, dances, smoking ceremonies and events that invite everyone – students, staff and the wider community – to learn, reflect and participate. 

Taur-a at Mt Helen Campus
The fire pit at Taur-a was designed by local Yorta Yorta and Barkindji artist Billy Blackall. The steel artwork features Lake Wendouree and Yarrowee Creek, and includes motifs of a kangaroo, swan, goanna, platypus and people coming together.
Warulung at Gippsland Campus
The five steel shields surrounding the space represent the Gunaikurnai clans: Brataualung, Brayakaulung, Brabralung, Tatungalung and Krauatungalung. The spherical fire pit was designed by Gunaikurnai artist Ronald Edwards-Pepper.
Dyata at Wimmera Campus
The space features a custom-made firepit designed in collaboration with Wotjobaluk-Gunditjmara woman and student Tanisha Lovett. This steel artwork and five log seats represent the region’s five local clans: the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk.