Karulbo budjerum (Altogether dreaming) by Mununjali and Wangerriburra artist Waylene Currie, reflects deep connections to land, water and people across Yugambeh Country and brings to life the Summit theme Our Truth. Our Power. Our Future.
Indigenous researchers from Monash are helping to shape conversations on Indigenous leadership, rights and truth-telling at this week's AIATSIS Summit (1-5 June) – one of the largest gatherings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, leaders, and youth along with Academics, Native Title stakeholders, legal experts, GLAM (Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums) sector and government representatives.
Held under the theme Our Truth. Our Power. Our Future., the Summit provides a vital forum to
to come together and collaborate on the issues that matter most to First Nations peoples. Strengthening knowledge systems, governance and cultural connections, while advancing dialogue on research, archives, land rights and community-led futures.
Day one presenter Jesse Fleay, Noongar/Nukunu author and academic (Faculty of Arts, School of Politics) will deliver a compelling address on Indigenous leadership beyond performative 'Truth-Telling'. His work challenges institutions to move beyond symbolic acknowledgement toward genuine accountability and structural transformation.
Co-author of the Uluru Statement from the Heart, Fleay's research examines the limitations of "performative" truth-telling where historical injustices are acknowledged without meaningful change and calls for leadership grounded in Indigenous authority, responsibility and enduring political traditions. He positions truth-telling as an ongoing process, led by communities and embedded in governance and institutional reform.
"Presenting at AIATSIS is particularly meaningful because it brings together Indigenous thinkers, researchers, community leaders and allies committed to shaping a future of knowledge, justice and democratic renewal, on Country, and in place-based ways grounded in the lands, peoples and cultures of Australia," Fleay said.
"This work connects closely to my forthcoming book, Returning to Country, which reflects on Indigenous political thought, constitutional transformation, and the importance of returning, philosophically, politically and ethically, to relationships grounded in Country, obligation and collective responsibility."
Dr Jacinta Walsh (Monash Indigenous Studies Centre) will also join collaborators from the Department of Justice and Community Safety to present on Reparative research: Improving access to records through the Victorian Stolen Generations Package. This work focuses on restoring access to historical records for Stolen Generations survivors and families – a critical step in healing, reconnection and justice.
"I know from my own experience how powerful and healing it can be to receive documented evidence of separation from one's biological family," Dr Walsh said. "It validates the trauma experienced and importantly, creates an opportunity to reconnect with family and reclaim a sense of self."
Jess Walters and Nell Reidy will also present on First Nations women, cultural fire knowledge and wellbeing, drawing on the AUSWTREX program to demonstrate how cultural fire practices are intrinsically linked to health, wellbeing and cultural continuity. Their work highlights the value of Indigenous knowledge systems in environmental management and community resilience, aligning with growing recognition of cultural burning practices across Australia.
Monash's presence at the Summit also includes a dedicated booth with representation from the William Cooper Institute, the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous) and the Monash Indigenous Business Leadership program.
As the Summit continues this week, these conversations will extend across Indigenous governance, youth leadership and cultural futures, building momentum toward a more just, inclusive and self-determined future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The University's impact at the Summit reflects a broader ambition to shape national dialogue and support a more just, inclusive and self-determined future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
