First Peoples

Providing meaningful opportunities for Indigenous Australian students to achieve at their full potential.

Our focus on community has created an environment that supports everyone to achieve their ambitions. Working with our First Peoples community, Southern Cross has a range of events, support services and initiatives that encourage First People’s higher education endeavours and career aspirations.

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following pages may contain images and voices of people who have passed on and are now deceased.

We acknowledge Widjabal Country as the Country where Southern Cross University originated and grew, and from where it continues to grow. It seeded the growth of our Gumbaynggirr Campus in Coffs Harbour, our Yugambeh Campus in Coolangatta and it planted the seeds to transform the Countries we are on.

Understanding our origins will make each step into the future a more purposeful one, leading all to transform tomorrow.

Elders Council Acknowledging Traditional Custodians

Study with us

A better way to learn with study options that support Indigenous Australians' academic journey.

Scholarships

Empowering Indigenous students through financial assistance so they can pursue their academic goals with greater confidence and success.

Student services

Indigenous Australian Student Services (IASS) offer essential support, resources, and a sense of belonging to Indigenous students, empowering success.

Events and resources

Southern Cross University Indigenous Events Coordinating Committee (SCUIECC) develops cultural opportunities for Indigenous community engagement.

Reconciliation

Discover Southern Cross University's Reconciliation Action Plan. The plan promotes respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, supports Indigenous student success, and increases cultural awareness.

More about Reconciliation

Welcome to Country ceremonies

Request and discover the tradition and significance of Welcome to Country ceremonies at Southern Cross University, which honour the Traditional Owners and their ongoing connection to the land and culture.

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Student success programs

Learn more about Southern Cross University's Indigenous Student Success Programs, which provide academic and personal support to enhance Indigenous students' sense of belonging, academic achievement, and wellbeing.

More about the program

Elders in residence. Portrait of Aunty Gwen.

Indigenous knowledge

Study Indigenous knowledge

Southern Cross University’s Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge is a unique and highly regarded program. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of Indigenous knowledge systems, and contemporary and social justice issues. It positions its graduates as leaders in the field of Indigenous studies and affairs.

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Celebrating the languages of our people

Southern Cross University community acknowledges our campuses are located on the lands of the Bundjalung Nation and Gumbaynggirr Nations and pays respect to all Aboriginal people both past and present. The languages of our area include Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yugambeh.

The Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples working with our Elders have created a series of videos celebrating the lands and languages of the people of our combined regions. Elders from each language group translated a script from English and provided their voices to the final four videos.

Warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that the following pages may contain images and voices of people who have passed on and are now deceased.

Videos

Uncle Gilbert Laurie, Bundjalung Knowledge Holder

Gumbaynggirr Elder, Uncle Michael ‘Micklo’ Jarrett

Kombumerri man, John Bartie-Graham walking on the beach

Gumbaynggirr Elder, Uncle Michael ‘Micklo’ Jarrett sitting by fire

Explore Gnibi College

Discover the rich cultural heritage and contemporary offerings at Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples. Here you can learn diverse knowledge systems, connect with Indigenous communities and engage in social justice and advocacy.

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Interest in research

Southern Cross has conducted ground-breaking research studies on First Peoples making it an excellent destination for anyone interested in exploring this field in depth. Research focuses have included: Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural revitalisation, land and water management, health and wellbeing, education and social justice.

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