Led by Dean Indigenous Futures Associate Professor Mandy Downing, the 2024 Indigenous Futures ‘ReconciliAction’ Challenge offered participating students the opportunity to develop solutions to the question ‘The Country said No, so Now What?’ in the wake of Australia’s failed ‘Voice to Parliament’ referendum.
This years challenge brought together academics, students and community and industry partners to engage in a week of challenge-based learning to explore innovative ways to engage with and educate the broader pubic about the importance of fostering a more inclusive society, with student participants earning 25 credit points towards their University degrees.
Running from July 1 to July 8, 2024, and concluding in NAIDOC Week, this intensive course saw five dynamic student teams who fostered new, educational, and community-focused solutions leveraged from the expertise of participating community leaders, Curtin University academics and Industry experts such as Landgate and the AFL.
Senior Indigenous leadership staff, Elders and knowledge holders volunteered to share truth-telling, expertise and lived experiences through yarning circles, presentations with students engaged indeep listening, critical reflection and mentoring sessions to encourage and educate participants throughout the week.
Co-hosted by Dr Shaphan Cox from Curtin University’s School of Design and the Built Environment who praised its emphasis on Indigenous perspectives, each student group project inspired and educated through creative mediums and exemplified a proactive approach to ‘ReconciliAction’.
Some of this year’s projects included:
- Interactive Video Games: One team developed an adventure video game that immerses players in Indigenous farming and crafting techniques. This project aims to engage users in a fun, interactive way while educating them about traditional practices and cultural significance.
- Immersive Experiences: Another group focused on creating immersive experiences to bring Indigenous stories and histories to life. These experiences are designed to be engaging and educational, providing users with a deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives.
- Educational Children’s Book: A pocket-sized book for children reimagines the classic story of ‘Goldilocks’ within the context of Australian colonisation. This creative approach aims to educate young readers about history and Indigenous perspectives through a familiar narrative.
- Cultural App for Schools: An educational app encourages primary school students to embrace Noongar culture. The app includes interactive elements and activities designed to promote learning and engagement with Indigenous traditions and values.
These projects not only showcase the creativity and dedication of the student teams but also highlight the potential for innovative solutions to address complex issues related to ‘ReconciliAction’ and education.
2024 Indigenous Futures ReconciliAction Challenge
We wish to extend out thank you to our participating Community and Industry partners and Academic staff who made this years challenge a success.
Upcoming Indigenous Futures Challenges
To learn more about upcoming Indigenous Futures Challenges please contact humanities-futures@curtin.edu.au