The document includes an overview of the 2005 inaugural Indigenous higher education Conference, Education Led Recovery of Indigenous Capacity: reshaping the policy agenda held in November 2005 and presents the first strategic plan of the Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council over the period 2006-2008.
The strategic plan identifies seven key priority areas, which Council believes will assist in closing the divide between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in higher education. The strategic plan is a working document to frame the priorities and activities of the Council in fulfilling its Terms of Reference. The Council proposes to work collaboratively with higher education institutions, schools, registered training organisations and other key education stakeholders to progress the Council’s strategic directions.
The vision of the Council is for a higher education system in which Indigenous Australians share equally in the life and career opportunities that a university education can provide. This means creating a higher education system in which:
- Indigenous people and their culture and knowledge are visible and valued on campus;
- Indigenous research is of high quality and high status;
- Indigenous studies are a prominent and vibrant part of the curriculum;
- Indigenous knowledge and culture are developed and preserved;
- Indigenous leaders are trained; and
- Indigenous people are active in university governance, leadership and management