Cultural warning

The Indigenous pages of the University website may contain the history and life stories of many Indigenous men and women who were affected by government policies in Australia. The information below could not have been provided without recognising their involvement and existence. In some Aboriginal communities, seeing the names of dead people may cause sadness and distress, particularly to relatives of the deceased. Aboriginal people are warned that names of dead people may be found on these pages.

Formal acknowledgement

Winnie Quagliottie - Wurundjeri tribe

'We acknowledge the Elders, families and forebears of the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri tribes of the Kulin who were the custodians of University land for many centuries. One of the last remnants of indigenous grasslands on Kulin lands is located near Iramoo at the St Albans campus. We acknowledge that the land on which we meet was the place of age old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal and that the Kulin Nation people's living culture had and has a unique role in the life of this region.'

Moondani Balluk Academic Unit

Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people's have a strong connection to their traditional lands and therefore the University. Wurundjeri language is used to name indigenous programs and permission has been given to Moondani Balluk, which is the VU academic unit that shares and educates on indigenous matters, by Elders to retell Kulin creation stories and to perform ceremony on University land. The Moondani Balluk Academic Unit provides social and academic support, delivers the Bachelor of Arts (Kyinandoo) and engages with the Koori community to enable access to University programs.

Indigenous Australian study opportunities

We value the contribution made by Indigenous members of society and recognise the need to enhance the level of opportunity available to them. VU has established Moondani Balluk Academic Unit to assist Indigenous Australians wanting to apply for a course and students attending VU.

We encourage Indigenous Australians to apply for any of our courses, and support them in their studies.

Indigenous career development

VU has developed Yannoneit, an Indigenous Employment and Career Development Strategy as part of our ongoing commitment to equality and diversity. Yannoneit Employment Strategy (YES) encourages the recruitment and career development of Indigenous Australians by providing opportunities to gain professional qualifications, work skills and experience in a wide range of jobs at VU.

Indigenous Education Statement

The VU 2009 Indigenous Education Statement is a report provided to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The report is a summary of outcomes and future plans to meet ongoing responsibilities for Indigenous student achievement in higher education.