Professional Development

Nulungu Research Institute is committed to providing accessible opportunities for professional development which is available to the community in the fields of research and Indigenous Studies. We aim to support local research knowledge and skills to build a community of experienced and qualified researchers within our region, especially in activities across the Kimberley that are Indigenous-specific or that relate to our core themes of research.

Professional development courses

Aboriginal Research Methodologies

We offer a professional development course specifically for Aboriginal people to develop their research and community engagement skills. The Aboriginal Research Methodologies Course consists of two stages: Stage One is an introductory course offered twice a year and Stage Two develops key research methods and is offered once a year. Each stage is delivered over three consecutive days, catering and course materials are included in the fee.

For further information about the course, costs and future dates, or contact Jo Wilkins.

Two-way Research: Collaborating through Indigenous Methodologies

In 2024 we have launched a Professional Development course specifically designed for non-Indigenous and Indigenous people, who are interested in undertaking collaborative research with and working alongside Aboriginal people and communities. This course will be offered twice a year as an introductory first stage in May/June and November/December annually. We are considering developing a second stage from 2025 onwards. Each stage is delivered over three consecutive days, catering and course materials are included in the fee.

For further information about the course, costs and future dates, or contact Jo Wilkins.

Introduction to Cultural Heritage Management

Collaboratively developed, the Introduction to Cultural Heritage Management course is underpinned by the three-pronged knowledges of bugarrigarra (Aboriginal Creation and Dreaming); to the contact and recent history; through to the present – today. The course is delivered by moving through these periods to investigate both the tangible and intangible elements of living cultural heritage. Designed for people who are interested in collaborative management of cultural heritage, the course is framed by representation and celebration of this from multiple worldviews. This course will be offered once a year and delivered over three consecutive days; catering and course materials are included in the fee.

For further information about the course, costs and future dates, or contact Jo Wilkins.

Coming up: Contextualising Aboriginal culture through truth-telling

From 2025, we will provide a Professional Development Course specifically designed for non-Indigenous people and community members who wish to understand more about Australia’s Aboriginal cultural context, nuances and complexities through an Indigenous lens of truth-telling, and as Thomas Mayo advocates  , truth-listening. This is currently in development. Check our website and Facebook regularly for updates. Alternatively, to express your interest in this course, please contact Nulungu Research Institute.

Additional learning and capacity-building opportunities

In addition to the Professional Development courses offered through Nulungu, we also provide further opportunities for learning and capacity building in Indigenous Research and Aboriginal Studies more broadly through a range of initiatives.

Research Week

As a part of our commitment to providing access to opportunities to build research skills and capacity, we stage ‘Research Week’ in the middle of the year. As part of this online multi-day event, numerous research skills workshops are conducted covering a wide range of topics and methodologies. Our experts and presenters include staff members, adjuncts, associates, partners and community members who specialise in specific research areas around our core themes. These workshops are also at times face-to-face, however as relevant to the content. Through the online platform, participants are able to attend from all over the country. For more information about Research Week activities see Nulungu Events, our Facebook page or contact Nulungu Research Institute.

Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies

In addition to the Professional Development opportunities, Nulungu supports the delivery of Indigenous research and associated academic programs for the University.  For those looking to build their knowledge of Aboriginal histories, cultures and contemporary political/social contexts, we recommend the Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies. This program is delivered online and supported by Nulungu staff, with a compulsory on-Country immersion on the Broome Campus. It can be completed part-time over one year. For further information on this course Graduate Certificate of Aboriginal Studies or contact our Coordinator of Aboriginal Studies at the Broome Campus through Nulungu Research Institute.

Cross-cultural immersion programs

Nulungu staff have knowledge across a broad spectrum of Indigenous affairs, as well as strong partnerships with Kimberley communities and organisations. We can work with organisations in the corporate, government or non-Government sectors to develop tailor-made immersion programs that blend cultural and community connections with theoretical expertise.

Since 2016 Nulungu has worked alongside Aboriginal communities and organisations in the Kimberley to co-develop bespoke, on-Country cultural immersion programs for the judiciary of Western Australia. These programs are tailored to the needs of judges, and include a combination of:

  • formal presentations/seminars
  • guest speakers and panel sessions
  • cultural activities and performances
  • informal and structured discussions with community members.

A key aim of the program is to facilitate two-way learning to ensure benefits for both judges and the community members involved.

Programs are usually held over three or four days. The location is determined by the community and may be entirely on-Country or with a component based at the Broome campus. Please contact Nulungu Research Institute for more information.