About us

In 1988 The University of Western Australia established the Centre for Aboriginal Programmes (CAP) to implement its newly introduced Aboriginal Provisional Entry Scheme, and to develop and deliver a bridging program that would prepare Aboriginal students for undergraduate study. The Centre was centrally located in Shenton House and the first Aboriginal Orientation Course (AOC) was launched in Semester 2, 1988.

In the 1990s, the Centre grew rapidly with the transfer of the annual Year 12 seminar from the Commonwealth Education Department to CAP in 1992, the establishment of the Aboriginal Pre-Law Program in 1994, and the Health and Science Careers Workshop in 1995. There were two further key developments in Indigenous education at UWA with the establishment of the Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health (CAMDH) in 1996 and the Centre for Indigenous History and the Arts (CIHA) in 1997. CAMDH’s goal was to improve the recruitment and retention of Indigenous students in Medicine and the health disciplines, and to assist the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry with teaching and curriculum development in Aboriginal health. CIHA, one of six centres nationally, aimed to increase Indigenous research capacity at UWA.

A new phase in Indigenous education at UWA began when the University approved the transformation of the Centre for Aboriginal Programmes into the School of Indigenous Studies (SIS), which was formally established in 2002 and became an integral part of UWA’s new structure independent of the faculties.

A range of new programs were established between 2000 and 2008, with the first Year 8 Discovery Days commencing in 2000, Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) revision seminars in 2006, the first international Indigenous student exchange to the University of New Mexico in 2008, and the UWA Smart Start Enabling program for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people at the UWA Albany campus, also in 2008. When UWA introduced its new courses in 2012, SIS launched the Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage Major within the Bachelor of Arts and the Indigenous Studies Essentials online module, which became mandatory for all first-year undergraduate degree students. CAMDH also launched the major in Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing within the Bachelor of Science.

In 2013, Indigenous health research gained prominence when the UWA Poche Centre for Indigenous Health was established with a $10 million contribution from philanthropist Greg Poche AO. The Centre has three focus areas: culture, wellbeing and mental health; Aboriginal children’s health and development; and chronic disease. The first short-term Indigenous mobility programs commenced in 2014 and, from this time, SIS has offered Indigenous students the opportunity to study in Valparaiso and Temuco (Chile), Washington DC (USA), Bali (Indonesia), Otago (New Zealand), Connecticut (USA) and Ontario (Canada).

In 2017, UWA established the position of Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education to lead the development of all aspects of Indigenous education and activities throughout the University, and to articulate and deliver the Indigenous Strategic Plan. The Indigenous Education Portfolio comprises the work of the Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous Education, the School of Indigenous Studies, Berndt Museum and Poche Centre for Indigenous Health.

That same year, UWA made a significant contribution to Indigenous education through its commitment to a $16.5 million new building to accommodate SIS, CAMDH and the UWA Poche Centre. Designed in consultation with Noongar Elder Dr Richard Walley, the purpose-built building is centred in its connection to place and plants and animals of the area. It includes high-quality informal teaching and learning spaces, and research and postgraduate office spaces, which enhance the Indigenous student learning experience. Named Bilya Marlee (meaning ‘river of the swan’), the space aims to make students feel like they are studying on Country, in a place that supports their cultural identity.

Over 500 Indigenous students have completed degrees (both undergraduate and postgraduate) at UWA.