The Indigenous Knowledge Institute aims to advance research and education in Indigenous knowledge systems.
Following a commitment made by Vice-Chancellor Duncan Maskell at the Garma Festival in August 2019, the institute was launched at the 19th Symposium on Indigenous Music and Dance on 3 December 2020, led by the Research Unit for Indigenous Arts and Cultures at the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development.
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute is one of five current Melbourne Interdisciplinary Research Institutes. These institutes aim to promote research linkages and collaboration across the University and to play a lead role in articulating University research to external audiences.
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute will build on the research and education activities already underway at the University to become a global leader in Indigenous knowledge research and education. The Institute will also build on the work of the Indigenous Hallmark Research Initiative which ceased operation in 2019.
Banner image: Installation photography of Ancestral Memory exhibition, Old Quad, 2019. Photograph: Christian Capurro. Image © the artists.
News and media
Research
The IKI is committed to supporting interdisciplinary research in Indigenous knowledges. Various funding schemes are available, including schemes for PhD students, researchers, and community members.
For more information about applying for these schemes, check out our Funding page. Research that has been funded by the Institute can be found below.
Funding
The IKI is committed to supporting interdisciplinary research in Indigenous knowledges. Various funding schemes are available, including schemes for PhD students, researchers, and community members.
You can find more information about the schemes and how to apply below. See our Research page for information about successful projects and applications.
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Seed Funding
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute invites proposals for innovative and interdisciplinary research projects with a focus on Indigenous knowledge.
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Themes
The IKI Research Theme grant scheme supports integrated two-year programs of interdisciplinary research that focus on new proposed Themes in Indigenous knowledge.
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IKI Fellows
The IKI Fellows scheme presents a unique opportunity for a mid-career or senior Knowledge Holder, Traditional Owner, and/or Ceremonial Leader to work as a Fellow of the Indigenous Knowledge Institute.
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PhD RTP Scholarships
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute is seeking applications from Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars who wish to undertake a PhD on a topic related to Indigenous knowledges.
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PhD Bursaries
The Institute is committed to developing the next generation of Indigenous researchers and each year offers two additional $15,000 bursaries (paid over three years) to Indigenous PhD students.
Resources
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What is Indigenous knowledge?
Indigenous knowledge, sometimes called traditional or local knowledge, refers to the understandings and practices developed by Indigenous peoples through thousands of years of experience. Indigenous knowledge systems are characteristically holistic, relational, and rooted in a strong and continuing connection with the land, sky and waters. Knowledge is often passed down orally, and can be collectively owned. It can include or be embodied in language, song, story, ritual, lore, and customary practices.
The knowledge of Indigenous peoples does not represent a static body of traditional information, and the capacity to incorporate new tools and skills has always been fundamental to the dynamism of Indigenous cultures.
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Indigenous Research and Education at the University
The University of Melbourne has a strong foundation in education and research that elevate Indigenous knowledge systems within the academy. The Indigenous Knowledge Institute is building on this foundation to foster partnerships and develop our Indigenous research profile across the University and beyond.
Learn more about some of the University’s Indigenous research initiatives and flagship Indigenous programs:
- Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity
- Cultural Commons
- Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Research and Leadership
- Indigenous Data Network
- Indigenous Epidemiology and Health Unit
- Indigenous Settler Relations Collaboration
- Indigenous Studies Unit
- Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education Network
- MURRA Indigenous Business Program
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Wellbeing
- Poche Leadership Fellows Program
- Professional Certificate in Indigenous Research
- Research Unit for Indigenous Arts and Cultures (RUIAC)
- Research Unit in Indigenous Language (RUIL)
- Reconciliation at the University of Melbourne
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Research Ethics
The Indigenous Knowledge Institute is committed to collaboration with Indigenous knowledge holders that are guided by core principles to ensure ethical, respectful and responsible relationships are developed and honoured.
The Institute’s Charter for Research with Indigenous Knowledge Holders gives expression to these principles and their application.
The institute is also guided by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies' Guidelines for Research in Australian Indigenous Studies.
Resources by topic
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Foundation resources
These resources have been curated to develop foundation understandings of Indigenous knowledge systems and research.
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Cultural burning
Cultural burning is part of a broad array of Indigenous land management approaches. It is a method of managing Country using fire which has been employed for millennia in Australia.
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Indigenous languages
There are hundreds of Indigenous languages across Australia – learn more about them here, including the local language where you live, work, or travel.