What role does cultural competence have in higher education?
Over 120 researchers, scholars, policy-makers, practitioners, professionals, students and community members will gather at the University鈥檚 Charles Perkins Centre on 4 and 5 April, to discuss the future of higher education and examine the role of universities in building a more culturally competent world.听
Keynote speakers at the include Race Discrimination Commissioner Dr Tim Southphommasane presenting his views on cultural competence and structural racism; Director of Georgetown University鈥檚 National Center for Cultural Competence Assistant Professor Tawara Goode providing a perspective from the United States; and Professor Jean Lau Chin who will discuss the importance of culturally competent leadership.
, University of Sydney acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services), said the conference was developed in response to the 2008 Bradley Review of Australian Higher Education, the 2011 National Best Practice Framework for Indigenous Cultural Competency in Australian Universities, and the 2012 Review of Higher Education Access and Outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.
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These critical reviews identified the need for tertiary institutions to incorporate cultural competence and Indigenous Knowledges into the curriculum to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous Australians, and to increase the cultural competency of all students and all Australians.
鈥淜eynote presentations, yarning circles and papers will provide a space for sharing knowledge, and kickstart a national conversation about how the higher education sector can further incorporate Indigenous practices and strategies effectively," Professor Sherwood added.
Professor Sherwood will also deliver a keynote address with Janine Mohamed, CEO of the Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses and Midwives (CATSINaM), who have partnered with the University to deliver the conference. They will address 鈥楥ultural competence and cultural safety: Understanding the difference鈥�.
听defines听听as the ability to participate ethically and effectively in personal and professional intercultural settings, and about valuing diversity for the richness and creativity it brings to society.