Indigenous academics complete exchange at University of Waikato
Associate Professor Liz Cameron and Mr Barry Williams are two Indigenous academics and researchers from the School of Architecture and Built Environment who recently visited the University of Waikato to meet with other Indigenous colleagues to explore potential partnerships in teaching exchange and research opportunities.
Liz and Barry met with various community members during this visitation and discussed how to embed Indigenous knowledge within the built environment jointly. Discussions also included the revitalisation of cultural and spiritual practices and future collaborative teaching/ research opportunities due to the low representation of Indigenous staff in academia.
During their time in Hamilton, Barry and Liz also met with members of the local Māori community who showed them around various cultural sites and areas – specifically on Māori architecture. They were also given a tour of a local school and their Indigenous centre, where every child is encouraged to learn the Māori language.
As part of the exchange initiative, four Indigenous staff from the University of Waikato will visit Newcastle in September 2024 to provide guest lectures and participate in meetings with colleagues from the University of Newcastle. Their expertise includes traditional design in architecture, culturally affordable community housing, health, and Country-geographic knowledge that reflects an authentic connection to place.
Later in October this year, a small group of students from architecture and the Built environment will be accompanied by Liz on an intensive research program to compare cultural designs from both an Indigenous Australian and Māori perspective.
As part of this cultural exchange program, the Māori community has invited students and staff on a 3-day cultural immersive experience at their lodge, including meeting community members, eating traditional foods, learning language, songs, dance, and various other cultural encounters.
The program offers a unique experience to understand better how culture plays a critical role in place-based knowledge.
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