* Education is a powerful way of achieving reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

* Universities over the last decade have put greater emphasis on reconciliation because they recognise education is a gateway to more opportunities and life chances.

* Charles Sturt University embeds Indigenous cultural competence in all areas of learning, so graduates can communicate Indigenous perspectives to the broader community.

* Challenging mainstream long-held views and ideas can cause discomfort but is needed to reframe and reinterpret knowledge.

Summary:

Charles Sturt University encourages all non-Indigenous Academics to use teaching methods and contents that truly reflects Indigenous culture and perspectives to foster reconciliation.

An opinion piece by Geraldine Rurenga, who is one of Charles Sturt University’s Educational Designers talks about the importance providing access to education that fosters an understanding of Indigenous perspectives in the student community.

Geraldine tells us building in Indigenous culture and perspectives in university lectures, especially in teaching and training the next generation of educators, will build this understanding in the community. Graduates leaving the university will take this experience and put it into their own classrooms.

Students taught to be understanding of Indigenous culture also have the skills needed to adapt to changes in the future as they grow, meet new people and experiences reflecting the dynamic nature of Indigenous culture.

Read more here.