History

Building on a rich history since 1986

In 1986 at Waurn Ponds, a spark was ignited that became a lighthouse for the nation when the groundbreaking Koorie Teacher Education Program was launched at Deakin, pioneering a new chapter in Indigenous education.

Institute of Koorie Education formed in 1991

In 1991, the Koorie Teacher Education Program evolved into the nationally and internationally recognised Institute of Koorie Education. For three decades, the Institute of Koorie Education community-based programs ensured that Indigenous students had access to higher education while maintaining family, work and community commitments.

First Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Strategy in 2019

Respected Gunditjmara man Professor Mark Rose was appointed as the inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor of Indigenous Strategy and Innovation in 2019. In this role, he has played a key part in advancing Deakin’s Indigenous strategy, driving initiatives that support the success and empowerment of First Nations students and communities.

Four students sit inside at the NIKEIR Institute talking.

NIKERI Institute formed in 2020

In 2020, the Institute of Koorie Education acknowledged its growing capabilities and relaunched as the National Indigenous Knowledges Education Research Innovation (NIKERI) Institute. The name change signalled a national footprint inclusive of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Knowledges, as well as a commitment to Indigenous research within the Institute.

Three Deakin students sit at a table in the NIKERI Institute talking.

Strategy released in 2023

The release of the Deakin Indigenous Strategy (PDF, 3.2 MB) in 2023 reiterated our commitment to continuously improve across five domains: students, knowledge, employment, community and whole-of-university. This strategy underscores our ongoing dedication to supporting Indigenous peoples and advancing reconciliation.

Three students walk through the Delama Dja Walk at Deakin's Waurn Ponds Campus.

Delama Dja Walk opens in 2024

Delama Dja, meaning 'embrace Country' in Wadawurrung language, invites visitors on a self-guided walk through Deakin's Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus. The walk highlights Indigenous stories, history and ways of knowing, encouraging a deeper connection to the land, waterways and skies of our campus.

The Strategy encapsulates our journey thus far, but more importantly, expresses our deeply held beliefs about what still needs to be done and how we will achieve it.

Professor Iain Martin

Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University

Acknowledgement of Country

With campuses on Wadawurrung Country, Eastern Maar Country and Wurundjeri Country, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of lands and waterways. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.

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Walking towards a shared future

At Deakin, we will continue to build on our proud history of providing accessible education through community-based programs, alongside strategic actions that recognise Indigenous education as a shared responsibility for the entire Deakin community.

Over three decades Deakin has witnessed iterations to Indigenous life, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, Congress, Reconciliation and with it contributed to the rise of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander academy.

Students carrying a Deakin qualification have represented their communities at every significant gathering ranging from the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII) to Desert Sands and the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Entering a new era of Treaty and Statement from the Heart

As we enter a new era of Treaty and Statement from the Heart, and commence the International Decade of Indigenous Languages, it is time to redefine First Nations education moving forward.

In doing so we draw on the spirit of 1986 and spark a new light that will shine across the sector as a spotlight for First Nations Peoples and Communities. As a university, we walk towards a shared future that advances the Indigenous communities we serve and positions authentic First Nations Knowledges into the fabric of Australian life.

Rankings and footnotes

^{Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.}

^{We deliberately use the terms Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Indigenous, First Nations, First Peoples interchangeably and in doing so acknowledge that while people have personal preferences, none of these terms are perfect and with that imperfection each carry nuanced residual forms of colonial power. This content is developed with the core value of respect.}