First Nations support and foundations

Gulaay is from the language of the Wiradjuri peoples, meaning ‘bridge’ or ‘to cross over’ and was given by Aunty Gloria Dindima Rogers to acknowledge the work being done across cultures.

Gulaay is the First Nations curriculum and capability development team within the Division of Learning and Teaching (DLT). This is work is done in partnership with academics, course directors, course teams, educational designers, academic leaders, the Indigenous Board of Studies (IBS) and the School of Indigenous Australian Studies (SIAS). Gulaay supports the University's commitment to embedding First Nations perspectives, knowledges and cultural responsiveness throughout learning and teaching.

Through curriculum support, professional learning and advisory services, Gulaay assists staff to build confidence and capability in engaging with First Nations knowledges, perspectives and culturally responsive practice. This work aligns with the Indigenous Australian Content in Courses and Subjects Policy, the Indigenous Cultural Competence Pedagogical Framework and the First Nations Cultural Safety Graduate Learning Outcomes.

Guidance and support

Gulaay provides guidance and support for the following:

  • Cultural integrity and culturally responsive curriculum design
  • Embedding and revising First Nations content across courses and subject
  • Designing and developing First Nations content for new courses and subjects
  • Curriculum planning and mapping in alignment with the Indigenous Australian Content in Courses and Subjects Policy, the Indigenous Cultural Competence Pedagogical Framework and the First Nations Cultural Safety Graduate Learning Outcomes
  • Engaging with First Nations knowledges and perspectives
  • Identifying appropriate First Nations learning and teaching resources
  • Responding to accreditation requirements
  • Annual Course Health Checks (ACHC) and Comprehensive Course Reviews (CCR)
  • Preparing submissions and supporting documentation for the Indigenous Board of Studies
  • Professional learning and capability development for staff
  • Cultural awareness and cultural responsiveness initiatives

First Nations Cultural Awareness Journey

The First Nations Cultural Awareness Journey is a professional learning opportunity that supports staff to develop their understanding of First Nations histories, cultures, perspectives and contemporary realities. The Indigenous Australian Content in Courses and Subjects Policy identifies the First Nations Cultural Awareness Journey as a requirement for continuing, contract and casual academic staff involved in courses and subjects containing First Nations content. The Journey contributes to the development of cultural competence, cultural responsiveness and critical reflexivity, supporting staff engagement with First Nations content, curriculum and culturally responsive practice.

Although you may find the content within the First Nation’s Cultural Awareness Journey presents a level of discomfort, challenge or confrontation. We acknowledge this and encourage you to take your time and work through the learning places at your own pace.

Accessing the program

The First National Cultural Awareness Journey is available for self-enrolment through the Brightspace Learning system. Use the following instructions to enrol.

  • Step 1: Got to the Brightspace home page: https://learn.csu.edu.au/d2l/home
  • Step 2: Log in with your Charles Sturt University username and password.
  • Step 3: Go to the Discover Tab and select First Nations Cultural Awareness Journey.
  • Step 4: Select enrol in the course.
  • Step 5: Select open course.
  • Step 6: Enrol in the group for your study/learning.

This program is available for Charles Sturt staff and students.

Key Resources and Contact

For further information or support with First Nations perspectives, curriculum, professional learning, or curriculum review processes, please contact: GulaayDLT@csu.edu.au