First Nations Student Handbook 2026 - Information for Higher Education Students

Sep 15, 2026

First Nations Student Handbook 2026 provides guidance and support for higher education students at Charles Darwin University. It sets an inclusive, respectful learning environment grounded in acknowledgement of Country and recognition of First Nations peoples’ long tradition of sustaining communities and environments. The handbook highlights CDU’s commitment to supportive systems, outlines the First Nations Student Support Service focused on student success, and encourages students to rely on leadership, knowledge, and engagement as they pursue goals and create change.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLifestyle

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time18 min

AccessFree to download

Welcome to CDU

Message from the Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor, First Nations Leadership

Larrakia Academic in Residence

First Nations Student Handbook 2026 Information for Higher Education Students Acknowledgement of Country Charles Darwin University acknowledges and respects the many Australian First Nations traditional custodians of the lands upon which our campuses and centres are located. We acknowledge and pay our respect to the Larrakia who are the traditional custodians of the lands upon which our Darwin, Casuarina, Waterfront and Palmerston campuses are located. We acknowledge and pay our respect to the Arrernte who are the traditional custodians of the lands upon which our Alice Springs campus is located. We acknowledge and pay our respect to the Jawoyn, Wardaman and Dagomon who are the traditional custodians of the lands upon which our Katherine campuses are located. We acknowledge and pay our respect to the Gadigal who are the traditional custodians of the lands upon which our Sydney campus is located. We acknowledge and pay our respect to the Turrbal and Yuggera who are the traditional custodians of the lands upon which our Brisbane centre is located. We acknowledge and pay our respect to the Warumungu who are the traditional custodians of the lands upon which our Tennant Creek centre is located. We acknowledge and pay our respect to the Yolŋu who are the traditional custodians of the lands upon which our Nhulunbuy centre is located. We also acknowledge and pay our respect to the Mirrarr (Jabiru), the Kungarakan and Warrai (Batchelor, Adelaide River), the Anindilyakwa (Groote Eylandt) and the Tiwi (Tiwi Islands) people. We acknowledge Australian First Nations peoples’ long tradition of sustaining their communities and environments over thousands of years. They are the first educators and first innovators. They are the holders of knowledge that makes an important contribution to the improvement of our local, national and global communities. We extend our respect to Elders-past, present and emerging-and to all First Nations people. Wise One He watches from above. He listens. He observes. He calls when danger is lurking near by. He dances. He sings. He shares his feathers for sacred ceremonies. He’s humble. He belongs in the wild and not to be caged. He belongs on country. He is a piece of rich culture. He tells stories everywhere he goes. His presence is meaningful. Wise one they call him. Sharona Bishop Your journey matters deeply to us, and weare proud to walk beside you. Message from the Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor, First Nations Leadership – Ruth Wallace Welcome to Charles Darwin University (CDU) and to the First Nations Student Handbook. Education has the power to transform lives, and at CDU, we are committed to creating a learning experience that is supportive, inclusive, and grounded in respect. For our First Nations students, this means recognising your knowledge, honouring your aspirations, and ensuring your voice leads the way. I became an educator and researcher because I believe education should open doors and empower people, and because I wanted to help shape learning experiences that genuinely engage with First Nations leadership, knowledges, and aspirations. At CDU, we strive to ensure that the systems surrounding you are robust, responsive, and designed to support your success. You are the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers of your communities and this nation. The CDU First Nations Student Support Service exists for one purpose: your success. We recognise that studying can be a challenging task. When that time comes, we want you to know that you can lean onus. Our team is strong, experienced, and dedicated to excellence. We believe excellence grows from high expectations, genuine care, and meaningful engagement. We hold ourselves to these standards every day. As Kathy Guthadjaka—a lifelong educator and researcher—reminds us: "Never give up. Keep going and don't look back. " Your determination, hard work, and courage are what transfo

FAQs

What is the purpose of the First Nations Student Support Service at CDU?

It exists for student success, providing strong, experienced, dedicated support for First Nations students.

How does CDU describe its approach to First Nations students?

CDU focuses on creating a supportive, inclusive learning experience grounded in respect, recognizing students’ knowledge and aspirations.

What guidance is shared through the Larrakia Academic in Residence?

Students are welcomed to Larrakia Country with culturally informed guidance, and asked to walk softly and treat Mother Earth with love and respect.

Sep 15, 2026

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