Aboriginal Engagement

On 28 April 2023, the University officially opened the Kinyera Wari / Nyina Ba Kalawa – a Yacca path and yarning circle – at the Mount Gambier campus. The new site provides a space for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples to connect and yarn, and helps to create a welcoming and culturally inclusive environment for all.

The opening event was well attended with over 50 guests, who represented staff, students and local community. The formal proceedings included a Welcome to Country and song presentation by Elder Aunty Penny Bonney; a smoking ceremony by Uncle Doug Nicholls; and remarks by Robyn Campbell, CEO of Burrandies Aboriginal Corporation, and Neville Rankine, Deputy Chair of UniSA’s ISSP Governance Group.

The yarning circle is available for local University and community use. Contact the Mount Gambier team for more information.

A Kaurna naming ceremony for the University’s Enterprise Hub was held on 23 March 2023. The new space was named Yangadlitya Kumangka – which means ‘for the future, together’ – to reflect that the space is a place of partnership and community, and to capture the spirit of being open to the future, together. The name was bestowed by Kaurna Elder Dr Uncle Lewis O’Brien AO, and formal permission was provided by the Kaurna Warra Karrpanthi, the custodians of Kaurna language and culture.

The formal proceedings included a smoking ceremony provided by Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri man Isaac Hannam; and remarks by Uncle David Rathman AM PSM, who is a member of the Purkarninthi in Residence, the UniSA Chancellor, and Vice Chancellor and President.

Read more about the Enterprise Hub and see pictures from the ceremonies in UniSA News.

The University’s Law Building was renamed in November 2021 and dedicated in honour of Dr Uncle Lewis Yarlupurka O’Brien AO, Fellow of the University, and member of the Purkarninthi in Residence.

The Lewis O’Brien / Yarlupurka Building is the future site of the Aboriginal Knowledges Centre, an interdisciplinary space for staff, students and the community to gather, connect and share knowledge. ‘We are the oldest living culture in the world, and we should celebrate that’, Uncle Lewis says, and ‘the knowledge we do possess is very invaluable. We got to build on it, and share the knowledge and the strength of our culture, and let it guide us all’. 

Watch this video to hear Uncle Lewis reflect on the importance of knowledge and education; read this article to learn about his legacy; and see pictures from the building dedication in UniSA News.