University leaders of the APRU Indigenous and First Nations Knowledges Network proudly spotlighted the advancement of Indigenous knowledges in international education at the PIE LIVE: Asia Pacific conference, held at HOTA, Home of the Arts, on the Gold Coast, Australia. The panel, titled “Beyond Borders: Indigenous Knowledge and International Education,” featured:

• Professor Barry Judd, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous), University of Melbourne
• Professor Adrian Little, Pro Vice-Chancellor (International), University of Melbourne and Co-Chair of the APRU Indigenous Knowledges and First Nations Network
• Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Pacific), University of Auckland
• Welyne Jeffrey, Senior Lecturer and Researcher, Universiti Malaya

Together, they examined the role of Indigenous knowledges in shaping inclusive and globally relevant education systems.

Professor Adrian Little opened the session by introducing the Indigenous and First Nations Knowledges Network, a collaborative initiative within APRU aimed at fostering cross-institutional collaborations to share knowledge, build connections between researchers, and enhance teaching programs in Indigenous and First Nations Studies. He emphasized the network’s aspirations to embed Indigenous perspectives into international education and research.

Professor Barry Judd shared the University of Melbourne’s strategic approach to Indigenous Knowledges, highlighting the Dhoombak Goobgowana truth-telling initiative. He described how truth-telling has become a cornerstone of the university’s Indigenous strategy, reshaping relationships with Indigenous communities and informing internationalisation efforts. As he noted in a PIE News Op-Ed:

“Partnerships with Indigenous communities must be part of the picture. Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but because it strengthens the sector.”

Professor Jemaima Tiatia-Siau discussed the University of Auckland’s pioneering work in aligning Māori and Pacific strategies. She outlined how this alignment has elevated Pacific visibility and enabled the development of the university’s first Pacific strategy, with targeted initiatives to support Pacific staff and students.

Dr. Welyne Jeffrey brought attention to the challenges faced in Malaysia, particularly the lack of Indigenous-focused curriculum outside of Sarawak. She emphasized the importance of integrating issues such as poverty, health, and education into broader teaching programs, advocating for more inclusive and community-driven academic content.

The panel concluded with a lively exchange of questions, exploring how institutional strategies have evolved through Indigenous engagement, and how constraints and opportunities differ across national contexts.

APRU reaffirms its commitment to supporting Indigenous knowledges as a vital component of international education. Through initiatives like the Indigenous and First Nations Knowledges Network, APRU continues to foster intercultural dialogue, institutional collaboration, and inclusive academic practices across the Pacific Rim.