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A dynamic and productive research environment

Critical Indigenous Studies supports challenging projects and researchers interested in making a significant contribution to strengthening the socio-economic fabric of Australia through positive change, understanding and knowledge.

The Department of Critical Indigenous Studies produces insights into the politics, cultures and social practices of Indigenous peoples.

We are committed to principles of equity, justice and diversity. Our research prioritises Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being, drawing on non-Western epistemologies and ontologies. Our research supports the political empowerment, cultural strengths and overall wellbeing of Indigenous peoples, both in Australia and globally.

Areas of research

Indigenous Digital Humanities

Indigenous Queer Identities and Cultures

  • Indigenous LBGTIQ+ identities, digital communities and social media.
  • Gender and sexuality in online social spaces
  • Queering the academy

Indigenous Policies, Politics and Activism

  • Governance, leadership and organisational development by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  • Dismantling race and racism.
  • Economic aspiration of Indigenous people.
  • The politics of Indigenous identities.
  • Global Indigeneity.

Forum for Indigenous Research Excellence

The Department of Critical Indigenous Studies facilitates the Forum for Indigenous Research Excellence (FIRE). FIRE is a research network that focuses on facilitating and fostering research with and for Indigenous communities both nationally and internationally.

Journal of Global Indigeneity

The Department of Critical Indigenous Studies also manages the Journal of Global Indigeneity, which is a unique and innovative digital journal focused on archiving filmed and/or recorded proceedings from symposia, conferences, and workshops on topics that impact the lives of Indigenous peoples and communities around the world. The journal also publishes critical essays related to the symposia themes in an effort to engage with academics and Indigenous communities and to encourage the relationship between theory and practice – especially as it relates to Critical Indigenous Studies.

Carlson, B., and Frazer, R. (2018). ‘Indigenous voices are speaking loudly on social media’ The Conversation. Available at: https://theconversation.com/indigenous-voices-are-speaking-loudly-on-social-media-but-racism-endures-94287

Bourne, J. (2018). ‘The benefits of collectivism in working towards Treaty’ IndigenousX. Available at: https://indigenousx.com.au/josephine-bourne-the-benefits-of-collectivism-in-working-towards-treaty/

Kennedy, T. (2018). ‘We must listen to Indigenous voices. Social Media is a good place to start’ The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/05/we-must-listen-to-indigenous-voices-social-media-is-a-good-place-to-start

Carlson, B.(2017). ‘Why are Indigenous people such avid users of social media’ The Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/apr/27/why-are-indigenous-people-such-avid-users-of-social-media

Carlson, B.(2016). ‘Here’s the truth about the ‘free ride’ that some Australians think Indigenous people get’ SBS. Available at: http://www.sbs.com.au/topics/life/culture/article/2016/12/07/heres-truth-about-free-ride-some-australians-think-indigenous-peoples-get

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