Dates: 25 – 29 August 2025
Indigenous Week at La Trobe University is a time to celebrate, recognise and engage with the diverse cultures, knowledges and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across all campuses.
Held each August, this week reflects La Trobe’s ongoing commitment to truth-telling, reconciliation and embedding Indigenous perspectives throughout the university community.
This week is not just a series of events, it’s about, sharing, connection to community, Country and culture. All members of the La Trobe community, including students, are invited to listen deeply, walk alongside, participate in activities, share a meal and contribute to a culturally respectful and inclusive university environment.
Why it matters
Sue Tuitupou, Cultural Capabilities Facilitator with the Office of Indigenous Strategy and Education (Jimbeyer Boondjhil Indigenous Unit), shares her reflections on the significance of Indigenous Week and why it matters:
Celebration of culture
Indigenous Week honours the oldest living cultures in the world, celebrating the strength, diversity and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Each campus curates its program in collaboration with Indigenous Advisors and Engagement Officers, ensuring locally grounded and culturally relevant experiences.
Education and awareness
The week is an opportunity for all students, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to learn about the histories, languages, protocols and lived experiences of First Nations peoples. This aligns with La Trobe’s Indigenous Strategy 2022–2030, which prioritises cultural capability and systemic change.
Connection to Country
Each La Trobe campus is located on the lands of various Traditional Custodians. Indigenous Week promotes place-based cultural understanding by connecting students and staff with Aboriginal community members, Elders, Traditional Owners and Indigenous organisations.
Getting involved
Join one of the many events happening across our campuses during Indigenous Week! Meet new people, learn something new and get involved. See what’s on below:
Bendigo campus – Dja Dja Wurrung Country
Emu Caller Wood Burning Workshop & lunch – Wednesday 27 August, 11am – 2pm
Location: Ironbark Centre
All students, staff, Aboriginal community members and Elders.
A guided session exploring the traditional technique of emu calling and wood burning, highlighting its cultural significance and connection to Country. Both of these immersive cultural workshops to be led by respected Aboriginal Elder, Uncle Colin Clark. The session provides an opportunity to experience traditional art practices, engage in meaningful yarns and cultural understandings.
Cultural Painting Workshop & lunch – Thursday 28 August, 11am – 2pm
Location: Ironbark Centre
All students, staff, Aboriginal community members and Elders.
Participants are invited to choose and paint their own pendant, keyring or clapsticks using Aboriginal symbols and shared storytelling practices. The workshops are designed to support La Trobe’s ongoing commitment to Indigenous inclusion, cultural capability and the sharing of Indigenous Knowledge. The event is grounded in Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing through hands-on learning, shared meals and yarning as cultural connectors.
Melbourne (Bundoora) campus – Wurundjeri Country
Welcome to Country, Didgeridoo playing, Treaty talks and Bushtucker BBQ – Monday 25 August, 11am – 1pm
Location: Agora & Ngarn-gi Bagora
All staff and students
Join the Welcome to Country in the Agora with didgeridoo playing and hear from Treaty Victoria who will speak about the importance of Treaty, with Michael Donovan talking about the strategy. This will be followed by a bushtucker BBQ in the Indigenous student centre.
Indigenous art workshop – Tuesday 26 August, 11am – 12pm
Location: Agora & Ngarn-gi Bagora
Mob only (students and staff)
Nikki Visaj group will be coming to the Indigenous student centre to teach students how to create Indigenous artworks of their own, followed by lunch.
Singapore Study tour presentation, Q&A, games, movie and lunch – Wednesday 27 August, 9.30am – 12.30pm
Location: Agora & Ngarn-gi Bagora
Indigenous staff, students and Singapore study tour students
Indigenous Student Services are hosting the PSB academy Singapore study tour students in Ngarn-gi for a presentation about Indigenous Australia and a Q&A. This will also be followed by lunch.
Various activities in Ngarn-gi – Thursday 28 August & Friday 29 August
Location: Agora & Ngarn-gi Bagora
Indigenous staff and students
Join us for indigenous puzzles, VACCA coloring in, yarns, snacks and more!
Shepparton campus – Yorta Yorta Country
Activities in Indigenous space – Tuesday 26 August
Location: Indigenous space and courtyard in front of cafe
All students and staff
Join us for flag making and clay babies.
Galnya Yenbena dance group And Bush tucker – Tuesday 26 August & Wednesday 27 August
Location: Indigenous space and courtyard in front of cafe
All students and staff
Participate in the Welcome to country, a performance from the Galnya Yenbena dance group and bush tucker tastings.
Weaving activity – Thursday 28 August
Location: Indigenous space and courtyard
All students and staff
Join us for weaving with Aunty Eva and BBQ lunch.