On 27 August 2024, Curtin University Library, in collaboration with the Research Office at Curtin and Curtin University’s Centre for Aboriginal Studies, organised the first ‘Indigenous All-Stars’ conference. The conference invited Indigenous Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students and Indigenous researchers to make connections, learn from each other, share experiences and yarn about research related matters.
Following interactions with Indigenous HDRs, we discovered that many find it difficult to connect with other HDRs and Indigenous researchers across the university. This leads to feelings of isolation and a lack of opportunities to learn from other students and from more experienced Indigenous researchers. Generally, it is known that HDR students can struggle with ‘imposter syndrome’, which means they doubt their competence, despite external evidence of their skills and abilities. In addition, students regularly report workload issues and many struggle with supervisor relationships. Furthermore, Indigenous research students face the need to conform with Western standardised research processes, while also respecting Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, cultural protocols and Indigenous methodologies.
The Indigenous All-Stars conference provided attendees with a platform to discuss those issues in a safe and welcoming space, guided by Elders and peers and inspired by keynote speakers and their stories of Indigenous research successes. Indigenous undergraduate and postgraduate students were also invited to encourage these cohorts to consider a career as an academic researcher.
The event was a huge success, with attendees and presenters providing overwhelmingly positive feedback and requesting that the conference be held on a regular basis in the future. One participant stated that they applaud the Library’s “leadership and initiative in developing this activity to support Indigenous students”, with another adding that they “hope the event will spark continued interest in research that benefits our mob while also building our Indigenous research capacity here at Curtin”.
The following video captures the spirit of the event and allows participants to describe the event in their own voices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p2DDbN_bAA
If you’d like to find out more about the Indigenous All-Stars conference or other ways in which Curtin University Library supports Indigenous students, please contact us at libraryhelp@curtin.edu.au.
Written by Petra Dumbell, Acting Manager, Library Research Services
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