Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) cultural diversity was again on show as it made welcome a group of students from the Fu Jen University, Taiwan, in late August. The students visited the School of Australian Indigenous Knowledge Systems (SAIKS) to study Indigenous cultural awareness.
Fu Jen University is home to an Indigenous Peoples Executive, which promotes the preservation of indigenous cultures through education. Students and staff of the University undertake an annual overseas field trip to broaden their indigenous cultural awareness, and this year CDU was chosen as the primary destination for this field trip as it was recognised by Fu Jen as a world leader in indigenous issues.
Whilst visiting CDU the Taiwanese students took part in lectures provided by SAIKS staff in areas including Indigenous culture, land rights, conservation and land management, and Yolngu language. They also enjoyed field trips to Larrikia Nation, Territory Wildlife Park and Parliament House.
To allow for cultural exchange, the visit culminated in a display of music and dance by the Fu Jen students as a part of a cultural evening. A highlight of the night was the display of indigenous dress worn by each student, which related to their individual clan heritage.
Also during the visit a meeting was held between the dean of Law, Business and Arts, Mr Adrian Walter, SAIKS staff and representatives from Fu Jen University to discuss future collaborations between the two universities including staff and student exchanges.
Executive officer for the School of Australian Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Terry Pailthorpe, said the Fu Jen visit was a great opportunity to once again embrace our near neighbours and strengthen CDU's international status.
Visit the SAIKS website.