The University of Western Australia (UWA), offers many pathways, bridging programs and support services to help Indigenous students through their learning journeys.
UWA also recognise the role Elders play in supporting today’s students.
Meet Taleah
Taleah Ugle is a Minang-Ballardong Noongar woman from Albany, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at UWA. Her nan also studied at UWA, and she’s proud to be following in her footsteps.
“My nan Maxine was a great inspiration to me, as she was one of my only family members who gained a tertiary education, as well as a PhD,” Ms Ugle said. “She went through Bible College as a young girl and became a doctor in Arts and Social Sciences at UWA.
“With this, she was able to share her stories about The Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship and how they helped Indigenous people across Australia.
“With the encouragement from Elders and role models of my family, particularly my Elders, I push myself for better futures for Indigenous people just like the people before me.”
Indigenous Studies at UWA can also allow Indigenous Australian students to explore their own culture and share it with the world.
Meet Rebeka
Rebeka Morrison is a Bibbulman Noongar woman studying a Bachelor of Arts, including a major in Indigenous Studies.
“My Nana is the inspiration behind my motivation for what I do,” Ms Morrison said.
“She was taken away from the age of seven to 14 and was subjected to structural racism, denied an education both in the western world and in her traditional Noongar world.
“I learn my culture because she couldn’t. When I graduate, I hope to work as an anthropologist or an Indigenous researcher.
“My main focus will be to improve Indigenous peoples’ mental health and overall wellbeing.”
Meet Jivaughn
Jivaughn Coaby, who is from the Nyikina people, is an Arts student, majoring in Communication and Media Studies. His studies at UWA allow him to explore his culture through art.
“My nanna always saw my potential. She was my inspiration to pursue my dreams; creating entertainment media with a unique Aboriginal perspective that explores the songlines she and my Elders used to tell me when I was young.
“I will not allow these songlines to die with my Elders. I want to tell them to the world so that my Elders’ teachings and memories can live on through the stories I tell.
“Hopefully as I develop throughout my education journey, I can make them proud by fulfilling my dream and influencing another generation.”
With pathways into UWA’s undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and the entire community behind students each step of the way, UWA is proud to be supporting our Indigenous students to build skills and connections for career success.
