Cultural immersion education and training
Curtin’s powerful and authentic cultural immersion education and training experiences are designed for industry and community organisations to develop an in-depth awareness and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural practices, knowledge and history.
Through a range of customisable, hands-on experiences, our skilled cultural educators will help to develop your capabilities to understand, respect and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and enhance your knowledge of Aboriginal ways of being, working and doing.
The Cultural Capability team welcome both small and large groups for all training at Curtin’s campuses. These experiences are available to all Curtin University staff and students under Curtin’s Indigenous Cultural Capabilities Framework, staff can register through iPerform located in Staff Portal. Curtin students and external companies can enquire about the cultural training using the enquiry section below.
Types of experiences available include:
Acknowledgement of Country Experience
1.5 hour Workshop, in person
What is an Acknowledgement of Country? How does it differ from a Welcome to Country? Who can deliver these, and when are they needed? What is the cultural significance? How do I engage with this practice in a meaningful and appropriate manner?
If you’ve asked any of these questions, this Acknowledgement writing workshop is for you.
You will be guided by Aboriginal educators to develop your own meaningful Acknowledgment and gain knowledge of our reconciliation journey at Curtin, the ancient and colonial history of the campus at Bentley, and Nyungar knowledge and practices from a Whadjuk perspective.
This 1.5 hour workshop is delivered by Aboriginal educators from the Cultural Capability team.
Ways of Working (WOW)
Full-day experience, in person
This experience is delivered by the Centre for Aboriginal Studies staff, participants gain a cultural understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and identity. This experience aims to increase knowledge and awareness of Indigenous peoples.
Ways of Working is currently being reviewed and not available in 2024. Contact wow@curtin.edu.au or CAS Reception for enquiries.
CurtinX: Noongar Language and Culture
Learn about the Noongar people of Western Australia, their culture and their language in a self-paced manner, available with flexibility in online only.
- Delivery: CurtinX: Noongar Language and Culture
- Duration: 2-3 hours per week for 6 weeks
- Cost: Free, or add a verified certificate for $180
- Details: The Centre for Aboriginal Studies manage this training
- Register:Â Â Learn more and register on the EdX platform
Wogga Warniny (Blanket Exercise)
3.5-hour experience, in person
This experience is delivered by the Cultural Capability team, participants will gain an understanding of the early history between West Australian Aboriginal people and colonisers through this interactive, hands-on experience. This experience requires a minimum of 24 participants.
What did you learn about Aboriginal cultures and knowledge systems at school? What do you know about the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal peoples throughout Western Australia?
In this immersive learning experience, the Cultural Capability team will lead you through Wogga Warniny – the Blanket Exercise. Developed in partnership with Kairos Canada, this experiential learning activity will develop your understanding of the early history between West Australian Aboriginal peoples and colonisers.
This unique participatory history lesson fosters truth, understanding and respect, and has been developed in collaboration with Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers and educators with the aim of moving towards reconciliation through education and understanding.
This 3.5 hour experience is delivered by Aboriginal educators from the Cultural Capability team.
Carrolup Story Workshop
1.5-hour experience, in person
This experience is delivered in partnership with the John Curtin Gallery and the Cultural Capability team. During this experience, participants will learn about the Stolen Generation and its impacts through the story of the Aboriginal child artists of Carrolup, the experience is held at the John Curtin Gallery on the Curtin Perth campus. What do you know of the significance of Carrolup? Who were the Carrolup artists? Join us at the John Curtin Gallery on the Curtin Perth campus to develop your understanding about the Stolen Generations and its impacts through the story of the Aboriginal child artists of Carrolup.
This 1.5 hour experience is delivered in partnership with the John Curtin Gallery and Aboriginal educators from the Cultural Capability team.
Pinjarra – On Country Immersive Experience
Full-day experience, in person
Why is Pinjarra significant to Aboriginal people? What do you know of its history, and the cultural practices of Binjareb Nyungar people?
This on Country experience is an opportunity to learn about the 1834 Pinjarra Massacre, and it’s continuing effects on Binjareb Nyungar people. In doing so develop your understanding of the early history between West Australian Aboriginal people and colonisers.
This immersive experience will help staff develop responsiveness, knowledge of reflexivity and a sense of integration regarding the history of this boodjah (land).
This 1 day on Country experience is delivered by Aboriginal educators from the Cultural Capability team.
Tailored workshops and education sessions
Ways of Being, Doing and Knowing Yarn
One hour to multiple days
Work with our cultural educators to develop workshops or education sessions that meet the needs of your organisation. These might include:
- Experiencing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and practices.
- Learning about Nyungar history and heritage.
- Developing cross-cultural understanding in order to be an effective manager or colleague.
- Learning to speak some Nyungar language.
- Developing understanding and ways to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- Embed First Nations perspectives in your educational resources and teaching