Indigenous Cultural Competence in Australian Universities: Challenges and Barriers

David Hollinsworth; Jennifer Carter; Kathryn Gilbey; Maria Raciti

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Indigenous Cultural Competence in Australian Universities: Challenges and Barriers

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Indigenous Cultural Competence in Australian Universities: Challenges and Barriers

David Hollinsworth, Jennifer Carter, Kathryn Gilbey and Maria Raciti

Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues, Vol.20(3), pp.27-44

2017

Appears in UniSC Diversity and Inclusion Research Collection

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Abstract

Education

Studies in Human Society

History and Archaeology

UniSC Diversity Area - Cultural and Linguistic Diversity

The concept of Indigenous Cultural Competence (ICC) is broad and contested, with debates around tokenism, failure to recognize diversity within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and lack of institutional 'buy-in'. This paper explores challenges of advancing ICC through interviews and a survey with staff at two universities. Staff identified the need to understand social and cultural factors affecting Indigenous students' access and retention, and the need for more training and support around staff cultural competence. Most felt the concept of ICC was largely superficial, and lacked understanding of power, racism and white privilege. We argue that universities must recognize the scale of the challenges involved, especially at a systemic level, and adopt policy and resourcing practices for whole-of-institution implementation.

Details

Title: Indigenous Cultural Competence in Australian Universities: Challenges and Barriers
Authors: David Hollinsworth (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Jennifer Carter (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Kathryn Gilbey (Author) - University of Southern Queensland
Maria Raciti (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Publication details: Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues, Vol.20(3), pp.27-44
Publisher: Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues
Date published: 2017
ISSN: 1440-5202
Organisation Unit: School of Business and Creative Industries; Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451010602621
Output Type: Journal article

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