At La Trobe, we’re proud of our deep commitment to enhancing the educational journey and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Every August, we come together for La Trobe University’s Indigenous Week to celebrate the rich tapestry of Indigenous narratives and emphasise the importance of community, knowledge-sharing, and understanding.
This year, Indigenous Week will be held from Monday 12 to Friday 16 August.
As NAIDOC Week takes place during a teaching break, Indigenous Week is an opportunity for La Trobe to hold events and engagement activities during the semester to connect with students, staff and our partners.
We’ve planned a heap of exciting activities for you to get involved in, have fun and explore Indigenous culture.
Join us in this journey of reflection, learning, and celebration at your campus.
What’s on at your campus?
Albury-Wodonga
| What’s on | When and where |
| NAIDOC campus lunch Join us for Welcome to Country, a screening of ‘Welcome to Culture’, followed by a lunch and traditional dance and workshops. | Tuesday 13 August 12 pm – 3 pm Lecture Theatre and outside LaMoka |
Bendigo
| What’s on | When and where |
| Men’s clapstick painting with Uncle Colin Clarke Uncle Colin Clarke, a Barkindjii Elder, will guide male participants to paint clapsticks. Lunch and morning tea will be provided. Reservations essential, RSVP Sue Tuitupou by calling or texting 0473 461 029. | Tuesday 13 August 10 am – 2 pm Ironbark Centre |
| Keyring and pendant making with Uncle Colin Clarke Uncle Colin will guide participants to decorate key rings and pendants. Lunch and morning tea will be provided. Reservations essential, RSVP Sue Tuitupou by calling or texting 0473 461 029. | Wednesday 14 August 10 am – 2 pm Ironbark Centre |
| Raffia spirit dreaming animal creation with Aunty Vicki Murray Aunty Vicki will guide female participants to create raffia spirit dreaming animals. Lunch and morning tea will be provided. Reservations essential, RSVP Sue Tuitupou by calling or texting 0473 461 029. | Thursday 15 August 10 am – 2 pm Ironbark Centre |
Melbourne (Bundoora)
| What’s on | When and where |
| Indigenous Week kick off! Join us as we kick off Indigenous Week celebrations with a Welcome to Country and guest speakers, followed by afternoon tea and a yarn in Ngarn-gi Bagora. | Monday 12 August 1 pm – 3 pm Agora, Ngarn-gi Bagora (afternoon tea Agora East, lvl 2) |
| Gabra Biik research forum Listen to speakers from the Gabra Biik, Wurruwila Wutja Indigenous Research Centre followed by a lunch. | Tuesday 13 August 11 am – 2 pm Bundoora Library, room 1.34 |
| Board games and movie night Play some board games, enjoy some snacks and watch Top End Wedding! | Tuesday 13 August 6 pm – 9 pm Agora, Ngarn-gi Bagora |
| Traditional dance class and cultural workshop Nikki Visaj leads an Indigenous contemporary dance class and cultural workshop. | Wednesday 14 August 11 am – 12.15 pm Court 6, La Trobe Sports Park Stadium |
| Bingo and Banter Join us for a couple of rounds of bingo! Featuring Indigenous themed bingo and light refreshments, this is sure to be a hit! | Thursday 15 August 10 am – 11.30 am Agora, Ngarn-gi Bagora |
| Ngarn-gi Olympics! Come and show your skills at a range of table top mini-games! There’ll be gold medals and prizes to be won, and food provided. Let the games begin! | Friday 16 August 11 am – 12.30 pm Agora, Ngarn-gi Bagora |
Mildura
| What’s on | When and where |
| Feather flower workshop Join Aunty Tanya Smith for a two-day feather flower workshop. Lunch will be provided. | Tuesday 27 – 28 August 10 am – 2.30 pm Location TBC |
More information
Find out more about our Indigenous Strategy and Education and watch our short film, Welcome to Culture, which shares reflections on Country as an introduction to the Indigenous cultures of the Traditional Lands on which our many campuses are located.