Dear QUT Graduate,
We hope this email finds you well as we bring you the latest edition of our alumni newsletter. This month, we are proud to highlight Indigenous Australian connections in recognition of the recently celebrated NAIDOC Week.
Last week, all Australians had the opportunity to delve into the rich cultures and histories of our First Nations Australians and engage in festivities that celebrated the oldest, continuous living culture on earth. This year, the theme for NAIDOC Week was "For our Elders”, paying tribute to the pivotal role Indigenous Australian Elders play in our communities and families. They are the keepers of cultural knowledge, trailblazers, nurturers, advocates, teachers, survivors, and leaders of this generation.
QUT aspires to be the university of choice for Indigenous Australians, as reflected in Connections – the QUT Strategy 2023 to 2027. This strategy reinforces our commitment to building, sustaining and celebrating a culture of excellence in Indigenous Australian education, research and engagement. Learn more about what we've been doing to achieve this.
This month, we highlight opportunities to broaden your knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Australian culture and experiences and are thrilled to share valuable alumni insights from Gangulu/Waka Waka woman, Ally Anderson, and Kamilaroi/Gomeroi Yinarr (woman), Michelle Steele.
We’re also proud to showcase findings from some of our First Nations researchers on Indigenous school experiences and challenges faced by remote communities.
We acknowledge the Turrbal and Yugara as the First Nations owners of the lands where QUT now stands, and their ongoing connection to Country. We also acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People from all Countries across Australia, and the contribution they make to enrich QUT and our wider communities.
Your guest editor,