NTEU Indigenous Forum, Melbourne, and Hui in Hamilton, NZ, 2011
The NTEU Indigenous Forum occurred on the 6-7/5/11, and was an empowering two days of discussion on the issues facing Indigenous staff in the sector. 37 Indigenous delegates from around the country attended and contributed to some very lively discussions during what appears to be a particularly tumultuous time for Indigenous tertiary education.
Professor Steve Larkin, the PVC Indigenous Leadership from Charles Darwin University delivered a keynote address on the upcoming review into Indigenous Higher Education, highlighting the disparity in Indigenous staff numbers at the institutions, as well as the structural issues within the institutions that are largely invisible to the majority of staff, but that prohibit Indigenous student and staff access continually. This was followed up by a discussion on the preliminary results on the survey of Indigenous members on racism, discrimination and lateral violence. In what was an empowering yet distressing conversation, the sheer numbers of Indigenous members that had experienced racism in their institutions was staggering. This survey is still open, and Indigenous members are encouraged to share their experiences. This data will be complied in Sept with a report to be available for National Council this year.
The delegation was also treated to inspiring talks from the Maori Vice President of our sister union, NZTEU, Cheri Waititi and Maori Officer Lee Cooper. It was particularly poignant for the delegation to hear that the struggles "across the ditch" seem to be the same ones here, just said with different accents, and the NTEU looks forward to working further with the NZTEU to create better working conditions for our people.
The following weekend, Deputy Chair of the Indigenous Policy Committee, Terry Mason, and National Indigenous Organiser Celeste Liddle, went over to the Hui held by the NZTEU at the Kirikiriroa Marae, in Hamilton. Here, the NTEU heard a number of stories about the continual attacks on the Wanagas, the issues within both the vocational and higher education sectors specific to Maori staff and students, and had the opportunity to share the preliminary findings of our staff survey. We were also extremely privileged to have Maori Activist and politician Hone Harawira address the delegation on his recent decision to resign from the Maori Party and from his seat, and to set up the Mana Party. Harawira has not only been an outspoken activist in his home country, he has also frequently spoken out in solidarity for Indigenous Australians criticising discriminating policies of successive governments, and it was an honour to hear him speak. The Maori hospitality was, as per usual, exceptional and a lot was taken away from these three inspiring days.
A further report on both events will be available in the next edition of Yarn, and the Indigenous Unit encourages anyone with any questions to contact us at the National Office
|
Cheri |
Waititi |
Comments
There are no comments. Be the first to have your say!