News Archive

A highlight of NAICOD week at UWA was a reception for the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) at the University Club.

AIATSIS is the world's leading research, collecting and publishing institution in the field of Australian Indigenous studies, and the reception celebrated its work and achievements.

AIATSIS Council Member June Oscar, a Bunuba woman from Fitzroy Crossing, represented AIATSIS Chairperson Professor Mick Dodson, and was accompanied by fellow AIATSIS Council members and UWA anthropologists Adjunct Professor Sandy Toussaint and Emeritus Professor Bob Tonkinson.

Institute Principal Russell Taylor said that AIATSIS has proudly played a unique role as the world's leading research, collecting and publishing institution in the field of Australian Indigenous studies since the early 60s.

"Our activities have continued to have a strong regional focus providing services such as family history, language, native title research and the return of materials to Indigenous communities and individuals in rural and remote areas," Mr Taylor said.

"And we have led research, especially on languages and native title, and have a recognised reputation for establishing best ethical practices in Indigenous research."

Ms Oscar, who was recognised in the recent Australian honours awards for her contribution to Indigenous communities, also highlighted some recent achievement of the Institute, including AIATSIS' vital work in language revitalisation and maintenance through taking a leadership role in curriculum development, developing digital languages portals and recently completing the second National Australian Languages Survey of Australia.

A Land and Water Research Centre and an Aboriginal publishing house which is launching the Institute's first mobile phone app - Aboriginal Sydney - were among other highlights.

"Our achievements highlight our stunning reputation for rigorous, independent research across the breadth of Indigenous studies and affairs," Ms Oscar said. "Most importantly they reiterate our uniqueness."