New Plan Aims to Address Systemic Barriers and Foster Growth for First Nations Students

Victoria University’s Commitment to Equity and Inclusion for First Nations Students

The First Nations Action Plan is a strategic framework aimed at addressing the needs and aspirations of First Nations communities, focusing on education, employment, health, and cultural preservation to enhance their well-being and opportunities. For 2025-2028, Victoria University’s First Nations Action Plan was introduced by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adam Shoemaker, and the Director of VU’s Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit, Karen Jackson.

The new plan supports the University’s focus on Protecting the Country. It prioritizes First Nations Peoples' cultural practices, with guidance from Elders and Knowledge Holders on learning, teaching, research, and community. Developed by Karen Jackson, a Yorta Yorta woman, in consultation with First Nations students and staff, the plan aims for meaningful change and positive outcomes for First Nations students and staff. Jackson urged non–First Nations students and staff to listen, take responsibility, and utilize available resources to meet these challenges.

The First Nations Action Plan is a university-wide initiative focused on five key areas: increasing the number of First Nations students and staff, ensuring their retention and success rates meet or exceed those of non–First Nations students, expanding the Aboriginal History Archive (AHA) to enhance its global impact, advancing First Nations-led research while creating more pathways to doctoral and post-doctoral opportunities, and building strong partnerships with First Nations communities. Professor Shoemaker expressed pride in announcing the plan, emphasizing a renewed commitment to listening to First Nations colleagues and incorporating their knowledge into the university's growth, learning, and teaching practices.

Over 350 First Nations students study at VU, which has the highest success rate for First Nations higher education students in the country at 87.1%, with TAFE students achieving 86.2%. Tahnee Towers, a First Nations Biomedicine student, credits her success to the Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit and the VU Block Model. She described Moondani Balluk as a vital, culturally safe space for connecting with other inspiring First Nations students and leaders, finding it deeply inspiring to be part of such a transformative community.

Victoria University's First Nations Action Plan represents a significant commitment to supporting First Nations communities through education, research, and cultural preservation.

Editor's Note:

First Nations students face challenges such as historical trauma, systemic barriers, and socio-economic disadvantages, but they also offer valuable cultural perspectives that enrich the learning environment. Victoria University's First Nations Action Plan supports these students through a focus on education, cultural preservation, and research, developed with input from First Nations staff and students. The plan reflects the university’s commitment to incorporating First Nations knowledge and fostering an inclusive, supportive environment.

Skoobuzz believes supporting First Nations students is vital for promoting equity, inclusion, and reconciliation in education.