Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities continue to face challenges that impact on all facets of life. Our researchers are combining multidisciplinary knowledge — both ancient and new — to develop solutions that will improve the wellbeing and support the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia.
Across our research, we collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and communities to ensure the strategies we develop are culturally appropriate and underpinned by Indigenous knowledge, practice and perspective.
Our strengths
Education
At the School of Education, Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker is investigating how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content is taught in Australian schools and the impact it can have on the identity and self-esteem of young children. Professor Rhonda Oliver is exploring the benefits of using translanguaging in the classroom and developing more culturally appropriate assessments to improve, celebrate and nurture the literacy and communication skills of Aboriginal children in remote and regional areas.
Together with the Telethon Kids Institute, we’re also working on the Ngulluk Koolunga Ngulluk Koort project to connect Perth’s Aboriginal community to policymakers and service providers to create better education and care outcomes for young Aboriginal children and their families.
Learn more:
Key people

Mr Frederick Yasso
DISCIPLINES
Aboriginal cultural studies, Aboriginal health, Aboriginal studies, Aboriginal mental health, Public health.

Professor Kim Scott
DISCIPLINES
Aboriginal studies, Creative writing, Cultural studies, Literature.

Professor Stephen van Leeuwen
DISCIPLINES
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander environmental knowledge, Biogeography and phylogeography, Biological sciences, Ecology, Environmental impact assessment, Environmental science and management, Plant biology, Plant systematics and taxonomy.

Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker
DISCIPLINES
Aboriginal education, Aboriginal identity and self-esteem, Aboriginal wellbeing and health, Community development, Cultural transmission.