Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies

This course is for those working or intending to work with Indigenous Australian people. Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies (IACS) offers both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the cultural diversity and ways of Indigenous Australians, communities and organisations.

It examines the cultural, social, economic and political contexts and issues confronting Indigenous Australian people. The dynamic and complex environment in which Indigenous Australian people are positioned is considered through an Indigenous Australian perspective.

All the units in this major are underpinned by principles of social justice and are informed by emergent Indigenous Australians critical theory. They are highly recommended to students interested in a professional career working alongside Indigenous Australians.

• This Graduate Certificate value-adds to most undergraduate degree courses particularly in areas like humanities, health and social sciences.
• Students enhance their knowledge, competence and skills for culturally appropriate practice with diverse Indigenous Australian groups, communities and organisations.
• An understanding of Indigenous issues on a national and local level is explored which will give you a solid foundation for embarking on research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

The multi-disciplinary approach makes the course relevant when dealing with issues concerning cultural management.

If you are looking at working in industries that involve working with Indigenous communities such as in mining, education or health, a well-rounded understanding of cultural and community protocols will be considered favourably by employers.

• work in culturally appropriate ways and apply cultural protocols and Indigenous Cultural competencies as defined by the Centre for Aboriginal Studies that acknowledge, empower and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' rights to fairness, social justice and human rights.
• critically analyse and reflect on issues of cultural significance in order to work effectively with Indigenous Australian people and Indigenous communities
• select, evaluate and integrate information from various sources which is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives
• implement best practice and culturally appropriate ways of working when communicating with Indigenous people
• apply self-directed learning strategies and reflect critically on your life-long learning in partnership with Indigenous peoples
• contextualise and evaluate local and national Indigenous issues alongside international pan-Indigenous issues and the impact of globalisation
• understand the complexity and diversity of Australian Indigenous cultures, perspectives, identities, spiritual beliefs and their relationships with one another and apply understanding to professional practice
• work collaboratively and ethically with Indigenous people recognising Indigenous organisational structures and using best practice models