What happens when Indigenous knowledge systems are elevated? Leading thinkers Reuben Bolt and Michael Mossman discuss the creative potential and ways this can be realised in practice, from the fields of health and science to architecture and design.
For generations, the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Australian governments has been marked by injustice including land dispossession, systemic racism, intergenerational trauma and policies that restrict self-determination. This history continues to shape the present and is yet to be truly reckoned with.
There’s another path: one that recognises Indigenous knowledge systems not as symbolism but as a transformative way of seeing and being.
Today, as Australia grapples with deepening inequalities, the turn to honour Indigenous leadership and wisdom opens the possibility of a nation and national consciousness that is grounded in relationship, reciprocity and respect.
Join us for a conversation with Professor Reuben Bolt, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Strategy and Services), and Associate Professor Michael Mossman. They show why Indigenous knowledge and western systems – across education, science, health and policy – don’t have to be at odds but can very much work well together.
When |
Thursday 21 May, 6:30 – 7:45 pm |
Where |
Footbridge Theatre |
Accessibility |
Wheelchair and lift access, and hearing infrared system is available |
Entry |
Free and open to all, with registrations essential |
Reuben, a descendant of the Yuin/Wandandian and Ngarigo peoples of NSW, began his connection with the University of Sydney nearly 30 years ago and became the first Aboriginal person to earn a PhD from its Faculty of Health Sciences. He is a respected leader in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander higher education, known for his inclusive leadership, ethical community engagement, and advocacy for Indigenous outcomes.
With over 25 years in higher education, Reuben has held senior roles across seven universities, including Charles Darwin University and UNSW. His academic work spans Indigenous studies, health sciences, microsociology, and more, and he has convened over 50 university courses. His deep understanding of institutional systems equips him to drive cultural change in complex settings.
Michael is a Kuku Yalanji man from Far North Queensland who currently lives and works on the Country of the Gadigal Peoples in Sydney. Michael is Associate Professor and Associate Dean (Indigenous) in the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture.
His current role is DAATSIA Fellow for the Australian Research Council Discovery Indigenous project, Indigenising the Built Environment in Australia from 2024-2026. He is also the Associate Dean Indigenous and project leader for the ADP Indigenous Knowledge Place to facilitate meaningful dialogue and exchange of First Nations discourse in architecture teaching, student experience, research and industry engagement.
Michael champions Country and First Nations cultures as agents for structural change in the broader architectural profession at educational, practice and policy levels. His expertise relating to First Nations community-focused outcomes provides a basis for his distinct thinking for ways environments are designed in relation to Country and First Nations cultures.
Header image: Detail of an artwork on Eastern Avenue by Dale Harding titled - Spine 3 (radiance) 2018. Photo by Louise M Cooper / The University of Sydney.