Monash celebrates Indigenous Elders Day
Professor Margaret Gardner speaking at the lunch.
Monash has celebrated its sixth annual Indigenous Elders Day with 70 elders, Indigenous students from a variety of faculties and senior Monash staff.
The successful event held on Wednesday 19 November, was an opportunity to focus on opportunities for the future and reflect on 50 years of Indigenous programs at Monash.
The day began with morning tea and a panel of Indigenous students sharing their aspirations, experiences and achievements at Monash. Students represented were from the faculties of Education, Business and Economics, Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Arts, Science and Information Technology and Engineering.
The Elders were impressed with the students, commenting that the future was in safe hands.
A formal lunch followed, attended by the University's senior leadership.
University Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel AO, an attendee of all Indigenous Elders Days since the event’s inception, recognised the successes of Indigenous students, including one Monash pathway student now studying a Master’s degree at Cambridge University.
President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AO highlighted the University's improvements in Indigenous research and education and the increase in Indigenous students from 11 in 1989 to 167 in 2014.
Provost and Senior Vice-President Professor Edwina Cornish introduced special guest Professor Colin Tatz, who 50 years ago started the first research centre at Monash aimed at engaging the Indigenous community.
Professor Tatz spoke about the politics of the time resonating with many of the Elders present, who were part of the organisations and political battles he discussed.
Indigenous Elders Day is an opportunity to seek input from Elders, share Monash’s work and to continue to foster close ties between Monash and the Indigenous community.