Media Release: October 2021
Indigenous knowledge – a collaboration between AIATSIS and ACOLA to drive better policy
Following a number of successful engagements and a growing relationship, the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) and the Aboriginal Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) are excited to announce we have entered into an MOU. This formal collaboration will help improve the recognition and inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into research-based advice, and ultimately inform better Australian policy considerations.
Professor John Shine, Chair of the ACOLA Board, acknowledged that “While Indigenous people are currently underrepresented in the Learned Academy Fellowships, there is a strong desire within ACOLA, in better understanding, valuing and incorporating Indigenous knowledge and expertise into our work.”
Mr Craig Ritchie, CEO of AIATSIS, said that “The formalisation of this relationship helps to recognise the status and esteem of AIATSIS’ membership, comprising leading experts and professionals, and its function under the AIATSIS Act to provide leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research.”
Under the MoU the key activities AIATSIS and ACOLA committed to are:
- working to identify areas for potential ACOLA studies with governments
- working collaboratively to identify areas of joint research priorities and potential studies
- ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ perspectives, understandings and knowledge are incorporated into the design, data collections, analysis of ACOLA studies
- exploring opportunities for AIATSIS members to be involved in ACOLA studies
- considering ways to work together to support Indigenous researchers and knowledge-holders
- promoting projects of shared interest, and
- facilitating exchange between respective Fellowships.
ACOLA’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ryan Winn, stated that “reflecting our recent work responding to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, we know that actions speak louder than words, with real action needed by ACOLA, its members and the wider community. We hope that this MoU is another important step in our journey to ensure that our work respects and incorporates meaningful inclusion of Indigenous peoples, knowledge systems and perspectives, reflective of the leadership role we hold.”
ACOLA’s full response to the Uluru Statement from the Heart, can be found at www.acola.org/acola-response-uluru-statement-from-the-heart
ACOLA is the forum whereby Australia’s Learned Academies and our Associate members come together to contribute expert advice to inform national policy; and to develop innovative solutions to complex global problems and emerging national needs. Through the learned academies, ACOLA has access to more than 3,500 of Australia’s greatest minds to bring together critical thinking and evidence to inform robust policy decisions.
AIATSIS was originally established as an academy to support a network of researchers who were leaders in their fields. AIATSIS membership is recognised as a measure of esteem for academics under the Excellence in Research Australia Research Quality Framework. AIATSIS currently has more than 700 members; 33 percent of members are Indigenous. This membership includes leading Indigenous and non-Indigenous academics and researchers who have made a contribution to Indigenous research, teaching and collections, and Indigenous community leaders interested in research and who have made a contribution to their community.
Media contact
For more information or to arrange interviews, contact:
Ryan Winn
Chief Executive Officer, ACOLA
0484 814 040
