* Charles Sturt University asked past and present Indigenous students for feedback on its Indigenous Education Strategy.

* 418 students responded to the survey.

* Results have proved reconciliation is a complex issue attracting a range of views.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) is calling for more action on Indigenous reconciliation and will continue to advocate through the University’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

An opinion piece by Professor Jeannie Herbert and Ms Felicity Taylor-Edwards discusses the complexity of engaging with all Australians on the complex issue of reconciliation.

“Reconciliation is about trust, respect and promoting positive relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian public. It’s also an opportunity to build a unified path and close the gap on disadvantage”.

Read the full piece here.

Summary:

Many Charles Sturt University students considered the process might provide the university with solutions needed to effectively address issues of the past. Others took a sceptical view or had appeared to have little or no interest in engaging in the Reconciliation process.

The survey revealed the Indigenous community has diverse views on Reconciliation and that they want to have a say in the process. This feedback proves Charles Sturt University needs to make a ‘whole of university’ commitment to improving the way in which we communicate with our Indigenous students in all their diversity.

To reflect this diversity and to create a sense of inclusion and belonging in Charles Sturt University course work a communication strategy must be undertaken that speaks to Indigenous students. This will rely on academics’ ability focussed thinking on how to achieve it and to listen to what Indigenous students have said in the survey.

Adopting an inclusive approach is the only way the university can demonstrate its commitment to 'Yindyamarra winhanga-nha' and deliver the education experience that supports Indigenous students so they can achieve the life outcomes they aspire and deserve.