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Colonialism and decolonising the university
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Colonialism and decolonising the university
By Hayden Vuong (22079398)
Acknowledgement of Country and Definitions
Introduction
With respect for Aboriginal cultural protocol and out of recognition that its campuses occupy their traditional lands, Western Sydney University acknowledges the Darug, Eora, Dharawal (also referred to as Tharawal) and Wiradjuri peoples and thanks them for their support of its work in their lands (Greater Western Sydney and beyond).
Decolonisation?
Definition? Decolonisation
Decolonisation involves recognising and dismantling the already established structure and mindset against Indigenous people, to abolish segregation. Decolonisation is a step to promote betterment and integration of Indigenous identities. Particularly in the university setting where education is a right for all people, benefits of helping people who are at a disadvantage to achieve success in their higher educational learning. This can include changes to the curriculum, increase awareness with acknowledgement of country, disposing stereotypes and stigmatism against the Indigenous community.
Colonialism?
Definition? Colonialism
Colonialism has different interpretations, from a historical perspective was the invasion and exploitation of the Indigenous Aboriginal people during European Settlement in Australia in 1788 and continuing to this day within our modern society where the impacts of colonialism still promotes inequalities to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Colonialism is the supression of people's identity and segregation of their rights and freedom.
Does colonialism exist in today’s university?
Question 1
In our current society, there has been an increase in higher education for the First Nations people. To say colonialism still exist in today's university is extremely limited. Universities today recognises and supports the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. The inclusivity of Aboriginal people with NAIDOC Week honouring and respect Aborignal culture. Many classes will put acknowledgement of country to forever respect the traditons custodians of the land. Universities encourages and promotes opportunities to the Indigneous community. Unversity are still looking for ways to further decolonise preconcieve notions and dismantling previous colonialism within the university.
Video
A First Nation people perspective.
In this video Dr Al Fricker, a proud Dja Dja Wurrung Man from RMIT's School of Education interviews First Nation Students about does colonialism construct still exist within our Universities today?
Statistics
Statistics
Improvements have been made in university enrolments and course completions for First Nations Australians in recent years. Between 2011 and 2021:
- The number of First Nations students enrolled in university doubled, from 11,800 to 24,000
- There was a 97% increase in the number of higher education course completions by First Nations students (from 1,800 to 3,500) (Department of Education 2023).
Despite this progress, First Nations Australians continue to be under‑represented in universities, comprising 2.4% of the domestic higher education student population
How do universities counter colonialism and how do they decolonise colonialism?
Question 2
Accessibilty, only 1/10 Indigenous Australian attend university, this is a result of accesibility and affordability, while most of Australia's University are located towards major cities and CBDs, in particularly in New South Wales, where the top rated university are within Sydney CBD such as UNSW, UTS and USYD. Most indigenous Australians live in regional suburbs, with long and expensive commutes daily will make it costly for First Nation Students, with online learning helps all people having access to their learning. Universities such as Western Sydney University has a wide range of campus across New South wales, providing accessbility for all people across NSW. Universities can also counter colonialism by having an increase awareness of First Nation students needs and respecting and supporting their culture with traditional artworks, music and more. NAIDOC week is a time dedicated in honouring and respecting the Indigenous community.
Video
TEDTALK: Decolonising the Curriculum
TEDTALK: Decolonising the Curriculum (2017). Melz Owusu discuss her experience in tertiary education in London, her voice on the subject at matter in further promoting the decolonising the curriculum for inclusivity and better opportunities for all people.
How does decolonising a university improve the overall environment of a university?
Question 3
Decolonising a university improves the overall environment of by promoting inclusivity, diversity, cultural awareness and equity. It fosters a more enriched educational experience for all equal opportunties, empowerment of the marginialised communities to seek higher education. With the first step of acknowledgement and reconciliation towards Indigenous Australians to bring value and respect for their rights of education as any other university student has, abolishment of colonialism for a bigger and brighter future.
Statistics
Statistics
Evidence shows that impacts of decolonising the university has brought justice against colonialism and further provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
Additional Information.
Additional Information
Universities' like Western Sydney University, with a wide range of campuses provide Indigenous spaces for all students to learn or emerse in. These further highlight the strive for decolonising colonialism.