Now in its third year, the exhibition has become an important space for truth-telling, reflection and dialogue, celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, histories and knowledges across the university community.

This year鈥檚 winning artwork, Connecting on Country, was created by T-Keia Dearden, a Whadjuk woman and second year Bachelor of Education student.

Inspired by the connections formed through studying at Curtin, the artwork reflects the many paths, stories and relationships that shape the university experience. It speaks to the friendships, mentorship, collaboration and moments of yarning that allow students to learn from one another and grow together.

Ms Dearden said the work was centred on the connections people form with one another at Curtin.

鈥淲e all come from many different paths and stages in life, and we all have our own stories to share,鈥� Ms Dearden said.

鈥淚t is through studying at Curtin that we learn from one another through yarning, collaboration, mentorship, and the friendships we build along the way.

鈥淭his piece represents the meaning that, despite our differences, we grow alongside each other, and we all leave lasting impressions that will stay with each of us for a lifetime.鈥�

In addition to a monetary prize, Ms Dearden鈥檚 artwork will be recognised, exhibited and permanently displayed on campus, embedding student storytelling into the heart of Curtin life and creating a lasting legacy for future students, staff and visitors.

For the first time, a People鈥檚 Choice winner was also announced, with Ms Dearden鈥檚 Connecting on Country and student Vanessa Burns鈥� Wagyl artwork receiving equal recognition.

Curtin鈥檚 Faculty of Humanities Indigenous Futures Dean, Associate Professor Mandy Downing said the exhibition honours Aboriginal artwork and affirms Indigenous sovereignty, while creating space for stories, perspectives and lived experiences to be expressed through creativity and culture.

More than a display of art, the exhibition reflects Curtin鈥檚 ongoing commitment to creating culturally welcoming and inclusive spaces where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and knowledges are respected, celebrated and woven throughout the university community.

For Associate Professor Downing, the artworks represent not only artistic skill, but identity, resilience, culture and the enduring power of storytelling.

ReconciliAction, she said, asks the Curtin community to move beyond words towards meaningful change.

鈥淚t is about creating culturally welcoming and inclusive spaces where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, and knowledges are respected, celebrated, and woven throughout our university community,鈥� Associate Professor Downing said.

鈥淭ogether, we are building spaces that foster belonging, celebrate cultural pride, and embody genuine ReconciliAction.鈥�

The exhibition also contributes to the ongoing work of Indigenising settler colonial spaces across the university. By proudly foregrounding Indigenous artworks by Curtin students, ReconciliAction helps ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and perspectives are visible, valued and celebrated across campus.

Curtin Faculty of Humanities Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Blythe said the exhibition represented something much larger than an annual showcase of creative work.

鈥淚t reflects the kind of university community we aspire to be,鈥� Professor Blythe said.

鈥淥ne that values truth telling, embraces diverse perspectives, and understands the important role education plays in shaping a more inclusive and respectful future.鈥�

Professor Blythe said the exhibition continued to grow not only in scale, but in significance, creating space for stories that challenge, inspire and deepen understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and lived experiences.

Through art, the Curtin community is invited to reflect on reconciliation as an ongoing responsibility, embedded in the everyday life of the institution.

鈥淚nitiatives such as ReconciliAction contribute meaningfully to that vision by helping to Indigenise our spaces and ensuring Indigenous knowledges and perspectives are visible across our campuses and communities,鈥� Professor Blythe said.

As the exhibition continues to grow, its presence serves as a reminder of the power of art to create dialogue, deepen understanding and make reconciliAction visible across Curtin鈥檚 campuses and communities. The 2026 Indigenous Futures ReconciliAction Exhibition is located in the Collaboration Hub, Level 1, Building 418, 麻豆直播, Bentley. The exhibition is open to the public until 3 July 2026.

Led by Associate Professor Mandy Downing, Dean of Indigenous Futures, the program invites High School students to explore their strengths, expand their aspirations and deepen their connection to learning through hands-on workshops and collaboration.

Throughout the week, students engaged with Curtin academics, community, industry mentors and creative practitioners across a series of practical, immersive sessions. These workshops introduced participants to diverse areas within the creative industries, showcasing future study pathways and the many career possibilities available to them. Participating students had the opportunity to explore 麻豆直播 Bentley Campus, getting a feel for university life and recognising that they are worthy and capable of studying in higher education.

A central feature of the Challenge is its emphasis on collaboration. Students worked alongside peers from different schools, building meaningful connections and drawing inspiration from one another in a supportive, culturally grounded environment. The program encourages confidence, curiosity and self-belief, encouraging participants to see themselves as future leaders, creators and innovators.

The Faculty of Humanities is proud to host this important annual initiative, which continues to strengthen relationships between schools, communities and 麻豆直播 while nurturing the next generation of Indigenous talent.

Watch the Highlights Here

Gallery

For more information on Indigenous Futures Challenges please contact Humanities-Futures@curtin.edu.au

Sophie鈥檚 PhD was supervised by Associate Professor Michelle Johnston, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Kim Scott, and Professor Huia Jahnker from Massey University (New Zealand). Her doctoral work reflects the depth and strength of Indigenous-led research emerging through MCASI, and her presentation at WIPCE highlighted the cultural integrity, academic rigour, and relevance of her study.

Supporting Sophie at the conference were:
鈥� Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker (School of Education), who has mentored her throughout the project
鈥� Associate Professor Michelle Johnston (MCASI)
鈥� Brendon DeGois (Centre for Aboriginal Studies)
鈥� Associate Professor Mandy Downing, Dean, Indigenous Futures

Sophie鈥檚 achievement demonstrates 麻豆直播鈥檚 commitment to elevating Indigenous scholarship, strengthening research capacity, and celebrating the leadership of emerging Indigenous researchers on a global stage.

, based in聽Leramagadu聽(Roebourne), is the聽only licensed Aboriginal broadcaster聽in the Pilbara region, giving voice to more than聽30 Traditional Owner language groups. Founded by the聽Yindjibarndi community,听狈驳补补谤诲补听惭别诲颈补 is a respected news broadcaster and content producer sharing language, culture, community stories and First Nations news through ,听聽and digital platforms.聽

During her visit, Ms Hinaki met with Curtin Journalism students to discuss storytelling partnerships between聽狈驳补补谤诲补听惭别诲颈补,听and 麻豆直播聽Journalism聽and聽Screen Arts聽students, highlighting the importance of First Nations perspectives in media practice.聽

Originally from the eastern tribes聽Ng膩ti聽Kahungunu聽and聽Ng膩ti Porou聽of Aotearoa (New Zealand), Tangiora has built her career in media through roles including eight years at聽ABC Pilbara聽in Karratha. Her passion for telling First Nations stories continues to drive聽狈驳补补谤诲补听惭别诲颈补鈥檚 work as a community-focused broadcaster.聽

The visit was initiated by Dean of Indigenous Futures, Assoc Professor and Ngarluma Yindjibarndi woman, Mandy Downing, whose commitment to ‘Indigenous futures’, the development cultural competency as a graduate attribute and amplifying positive Indigenous stories across media aligns closely with Curtin鈥檚 focus on community partnerships and cross-cultural understanding. 

Also facilitating the discussion were Dr Glynn Greensmith, Associate Professor Michelle Johnston, Ms Lucy Martin, Ms Sally Goldrick, and John Curtin Gallery鈥檚 Mr Ron Bradfield. 

The discussions marked an exciting step toward future collaborations between Curtin University students and Ngaarda Media, strengthening opportunities for students to engage with Indigenous-led media and storytelling. 

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Learn more about 麻豆直播’s Journalism and Screen Arts offerings

We鈥檙e excited to highlight a recent publication on the Australian Research Council website. The ARC-funded project聽鈥淗ealing Land, Healing Culture: A Wilman Nyungar Path to Restoration鈥�聽is Led by respected Noongar man Darryl Kickett, who grew up near the Dryandra Woodlands, the project brings Aboriginal communities together with a multidisciplinary team of researchers from 麻豆直播, The University of Western Australia and Deakin University.聽 The projects vision brings together traditional Wilman Nyungar knowledge and ecological science to restore Country in Western Australia.

The Indigenous Futures High School Challenge offers a unique, hands-on experience designed for students eager to develop new skills, uncover their strengths, and ignite their passions, all while exploring the concept of an Indigenous Future within the creative industries.

Throughout this immersive program, high school students will engage in a series of dynamic activities and sessions, all centred around the creative industries on a University campus. With the guidance of experienced educators, facilitators, and mentors, participants will have the opportunity to think creatively and critically, transforming their ideas into meaningful work. By the end of the challenge, students will have the opportunity to showcase their talents and creativity together鈥� leaving with new insights they can continue to build upon and adapt for university life in the future.

But the challenge is more than just skill-building; it’s about connection and inspiration. This program provides a valuable opportunity to collaborate with peers from different schools, build lasting networks, and draw inspiration from one another in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Whether you’re looking to discover your path in the creative industries or simply want to explore new possibilities, the Indigenous Futures High School Challenge is the perfect platform to develop your potential and envision an Indigenous Future for high school students that is both innovative and inspiring.

2025 Indigenous Futures High School Challenge

When: 10 to 12 November 2025 from 9:30am鈥�2:30pm daily

Who: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students from Year 7 to Year 12

Where: 麻豆直播, Bentley Campus

Cost: Free 鈥� Catering and support for transport via bus is available

How: book via humanities-futures@curtin.edu.au by the 30 October 2025

This program has been designed with and for Aboriginal people

Created by Bachelor of Communications student Desi Marliani and Curtin alumna and artist Fiona Reidy, the piece draws from deep listening, mutual respect, and a shared love for the Weelyark (black cockatoo). It is both a personal expression and a communal statement鈥攔eflecting the 2025 National Reconciliation Week theme, 鈥淏ridging Now to Next.鈥�

For Desi, the journey has been transformative.

鈥淭his competition gave me a chance to listen, learn, and honour Indigenous perspectives through art. It鈥檚 more than a platform for creative expression鈥攊t鈥檚 a space where inclusion and understanding grow. It was a privilege to work alongside Fiona, and together create something that reflects our connection to each other and to Country.鈥�

Fiona echoed these sentiments, sharing how their collaboration came from a place of friendship and a shared connection to the natural world.

鈥淥ur bond began with the Weelyark. Whenever we see them fly above, it鈥檚 like nature is sending us a message. To me, this artwork was an opportunity to create something meaningful together鈥攃elebrating culture, connection, and the journey of reconciliation.鈥�

This year鈥檚 competition signals a shift. Rather than focusing solely on individual artistic recognition, it celebrates collaboration and relationality, spotlighting how partnerships can bring reconciliation to life in tangible and visual ways.

Associate Professor Mandy Downing, Dean of Indigenous Futures, emphasised the broader impact:

鈥淎s a Faculty of Humanities, we鈥檙e leading Curtin in shaping culturally welcoming and inclusive spaces. What I love most about this year鈥檚 piece is the relational aspect鈥攊t captures the essence of ReconciliAction: meaningful partnerships grounded in mutual respect and highlights what is possible when we unite.鈥�

Professor Richard Blythe, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty, added:

鈥淭his project reshapes how we experience our campus. It invites us to better understand the stories of our Indigenous colleagues鈥攁nd encourages others to see Curtin as a place they belong.鈥�

As the artwork becomes a new fixture of the campus landscape, its presence will continue to spark curiosity and conversation. More than just a mural, it鈥檚 a statement of purpose鈥攁ligning with Curtin鈥檚 commitment to Indigenising the built environment and creating inclusive spaces where all students feel welcome.

Desi reflects on the competition鈥檚 lasting value:

鈥淚t鈥檚 a platform that doesn鈥檛 just showcase emerging artists鈥攊t celebrates Indigenous culture, invites non-Indigenous students into the conversation, and fosters connection across our community.鈥�

The Indigenous Futures Artwork Competition remains a cornerstone initiative of the Indigenous Futures capability platform鈥攎aking reconciliation visible, creative, and deeply felt. Through art, we鈥檙e reminded that the most powerful stories are often those shared between people, across cultures, and built on mutual respect.

The competition and winning piece also garnered wider attention, recently being featured in both the print and digital editions of newspaper, further highlighting the growing impact of this initiative across the broader community.

Learn more: ReconciliAction in Art: Desi and Fiona鈥檚 Story of Collaboration

Now in its second year, the Challenge is a 25-credit point intensive unit led by Associate Professor Mandy Downing, Dean of Indigenous Futures in the Faculty of Humanities. The program invites students across disciplines to develop solutions to contemporary challenges in the wake of the failed Voice to Parliament referendum. This year, the focus was not on answers, but on action 鈥� bold, inclusive, and transformative action.

Throughout the week, students engaged in immersive, face-to-face, challenge-based learning. They were guided by community knowledge holders, guest speakers, and industry professionals, and grounded in Indigenous ways of learning 鈥� including yarning circles, deep listening (dadirri), and reflective practice.

What set this Challenge apart was its emotional depth. As Professor Richard Blythe, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Humanities, noted during the showcase:

鈥淟earning should change us. It should move us. And that鈥檚 exactly what happened this week. Students didn鈥檛 expect to feel this deeply 鈥� but they did. And that鈥檚 the mark of truly meaningful education.鈥�

Students described the Challenge as one of the most enriching experiences of their studies, with many reflecting on how the process redefined what learning means to them. The collaborative nature of the unit allowed for genuine connection, vulnerability, and creative problem-solving across faculties 鈥� from human rights to fine arts, engineering to education.

Monday鈥檚 showcase event was not just a celebration of student projects, but a recognition of the emotional and intellectual labour poured into each idea. The event opened with reflections from Professor Blythe and Associate Professor Mandy Downing, who both spoke to the courage and clarity shown by students.

In her speech, Associate Professor Downing remarked:

鈥淭here is no simple answer to the question we posed. However, I proposed ReconciliAction as a way forward 鈥� a mindset that demands broad truth-telling and critical social action. And what we鈥檝e witnessed this week is proof that students, when trusted, can meet that challenge with depth and integrity.鈥�

Student Representatives Blaire Jones and Brodie Abrahams echoed these sentiments, speaking to the lasting impact of the Challenge on their understanding of community, communication, and reconciliAction.

鈥淭his unit gave us a voice. It gave us the opportunity to listen, to learn, and to connect 鈥� not just academically, but emotionally and humanly,鈥� they shared.

鈥淲e鈥檙e leaving this experience with more empathy, more clarity, and a shared responsibility to continue this work beyond the university walls.鈥�

The 2025 Challenge reaffirmed Curtin鈥檚 commitment to embedding Indigenous knowledges and leadership into the heart of education. With the enthusiastic support of staff, community and industry contributors, and volunteers, the week proved that education can be a powerful vehicle for transformation 鈥� when grounded in respect, courage, and collaboration.

As Associate Professor Downing said so powerfully:

鈥淎s an educational institution, we have the opportunity to shape thought leadership. What we do here matters. We are the change, and we are the future.鈥�

To the students: your ideas, your voices, and your energy give us hope for what鈥檚 possible when we walk together toward a more inclusive and just Australia.

Watch the Highlights Video

Upcoming Indigenous Futures Challenges

To learn more about upcoming Indigenous Futures Challenges, please contact humanities-futures@curtin.edu.au

Hosted by The Hatchery, this landmark summit brought together First Nations leaders, changemakers, and advocates to celebrate the stories, perspectives and excellence of First Nations leadership across the country. Through shared knowledge, cultural practices, and deep reflection, the summit created space to honour the resilience, strength and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in all areas of life鈥攆rom community and family to business and education.

Associate Professor Downing鈥檚 presence and contribution at the summit were a powerful reminder of the importance of Indigenous voices in shaping not only policy and practice but also the future of leadership in Australia. Her story and insights reflected the summit鈥檚 broader purpose: to elevate First Nations leadership through storytelling, connection, and a commitment to collective growth.

The First Nations Leadership Summit stands as a unifying platform, one that builds a strong network of leaders while empowering the next generation of storytellers and changemakers. It鈥檚 more than a gathering鈥攊t鈥檚 a celebration of enduring culture, identity and leadership that continues to thrive on Country.

Learn more:

But this moment was more than a degree. For Jayde, it reflected something much deeper 鈥� a journey shaped by culture, community, and family.

鈥淢y mum says that I was born a teacher. As soon as I could walk and talk, I was always trying to teach, always wanting to be fair and lead.鈥�

Jayde is a proud Noongar woman and the Lead, Indigenous Cultural Capability at Curtin, working alongside her colleagues in the Cultural Capability team. She designs and delivers Cultural Education experiences as part of the Indigenous Cultural Capability Framework (ICCF) 鈥� supporting the university鈥檚 commitment to culturally safe and inclusive learning environments.

She says her biggest inspiration has always been her son.

鈥淚 saw him navigate school systems that weren鈥檛 built for us. That lit something in me 鈥� how can I be a role model? How can I help create change?鈥�

As one of the first in her large family to graduate from university, Jayde wanted to show what鈥檚 possible. Even while working and raising a family, she鈥檚 proven that remarkable things can happen when you stay true to who you are.

Her work extends far beyond the classroom. Jayde is passionate about truth-telling and sharing knowledge on Country 鈥� creating space where Aboriginal (Noongar) knowledge and colonial history are acknowledged side by side. For her, education isn鈥檛 just about curriculum 鈥� it鈥檚 about connection, storytelling, and walking together.

Receiving the Head of School Award for Outstanding Achievement was a surprise 鈥� but also a powerful reminder that her work matters.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 expect the award. But it reminded me that if you do the work with heart, people notice.鈥�

Jayde draws strength from the educators who supported her 鈥� like her Uncle Simon, who she continues to work alongside, and a high school English teacher who taught with care and encouragement. Now, she鈥檚 passing that same belief and care forward.

Her message?

鈥淒o what you love. Be the change. And never forget what鈥檚 important 鈥� your values, your family, and your community.鈥�

Jayde鈥檚 story reminds us that leadership takes many forms 鈥� and that when education is grounded in heart and culture, it has the power to shape futures.