Of the nine Australian Research Council’s Indigenous Research Development (IRD) grants allocated nationally, two were awarded to Newcastle projects equating to some 25 per cent of the funds available. 

Professor John Maynard, received almost $376,000 to carry out his research into Indigenous political activism in the USA and Australia during the early 20th century.

The project titled Land, children and politics: Native America and Aboriginal Australia 1900-1930 will compare and contrast Indigenous political activism in both countries through a number of issues including land, children, government policy and returned servicemen.

“The debate over Aboriginal history and the stolen generations is resurfacing in national media and through this project we hope to promote ways to improve understanding and resolve cultural, historical and religious difference in Australia,” Professor Maynard said.

The University’s second IRD grant was awarded to Dr Kathleen Butler for her project titled Indigenous Research Higher Degree candidature in Australian universities: Exploring identity at the cultural interface. 

With allocated funding of $153,000 over three years, Dr Butler and her mentor Professor Allyson Holbrook will investigate the effectiveness of Research High Degree policies and the outcomes for Indigenous students.

“This project will help to create a vital evidence-base that will help improve educational equity, cohesion and successful participation for Indigenous students undertaking tertiary education,” Dr Butler said.

For interviews: Professor John Maynard on 0408 416 886 or Dr Kathleen Butler on 0428 274 624.