Curtin students tackle ‘Now What?’ at 2024 Indigenous Futures Challenge

The 2024 Indigenous Futures ‘ReconciliAction’ Challenge has tackled the question ‘Now What?’ in the wake of Australia’s failed ‘Voice to Parliament’ referendum.

The intensive week of learning and innovation saw five student teams collaborating with community leaders, academics and industry experts from organisations including the AFL and Landgate.

Curtin’s Dean of Indigenous Futures Associate Professor Mandy Downing, said the Challenge theme, “The Country said No, so Now What?’ urged students to lean into discomfort, gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and pursue transformative social change.

“There’s been an awful lot of silence since 60 per cent of Australians voted against constitutional recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Learning the majority of the Country do not want us to have a voice is difficult,” Associate Professor Downing said.

“However, the referendum outcome will not deter us and the Indigenous Futures Challenge offers a unique platform to foster a spirit of ‘ReconciliAction’ and innovation.

“Senior Indigenous leadership staff, Elders and knowledge holders volunteered to share truth-telling, expertise and lived experiences through yarning circles, presentations, deep listening, critical reflection and mentor sessions, all aimed at shaping a more inclusive future.”

Senior Policy Manager at the AFL Dr Sean Gorman, who addressed the students, said racism in sport mirrors broader societal issues and education is key to combatting it.

“What we see on the football field often reflects what happens off it. Raising awareness is crucial and Indigenous players have become powerful advocates for their communities,” Dr Gorman said.

“Programs supporting and celebrating Indigenous people are vital to bridging the gap and creating a sense of belonging. The more we understand Indigenous culture and history, the better we can address challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”

Dr Shaphan Cox from Curtin’s School of Design and the Built Environment said the Challenge is a learning environment that values and elevates Indigenous perspectives.

“The teams demonstrated critical thinking and creativity with projects such as an interactive ‘time serpent’ that educates students about key events in Australia’s history, and a hub offering funding support, financial advice and mentorship for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses,” Dr Cox said.

“Other projects included a pocket-sized children’s book about Australian colonisation which re-imagined the story of ‘Goldilocks’, an adventure video game featuring Indigenous farming and crafting and an educational app encouraging primary school students to embrace Noongar culture and take part in ‘ReconciliAction’.”

The Indigenous Futures Challenge ran from 1 July to 8 July.