We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the ancient lands on which we will gather for this symposium, the peoples of the Kulin Nation. We acknowledge that the land, sea and sky were never ceded and pay our deepest respect to Elders, past, present and future.
Indigenous Design – Past | Present | Future
Indigenous design perspectives are gaining great currency recently in Australia and in Melbourne in particularly. However, the contribution, methodology and inspirations of Indigenous design professionals and thinkers is largely concealed from view.
Titled ‘Go Back to Where You Came From: Indigenous Design – Past | Present | Future’ the inaugural Symposium of the Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning (ABP) has been carefully curated as a provocation to explore the role of Indigenous design, to showcase a range of established local and international First Nations design practitioners across a diversity of disciplines and an opportunity to reveal design approaches, which straddle interconnected themes of culture, Country and identity.
This gathering will reveal a range of distinct insights drawn from many experiences, people and forms of cultural expression, including but not limited to architecture, landscape architecture, communication design, planning, interior design, spatial design along with community perspectives
An Indigenous led approach to knowledge exchange seeks to embrace complexity, demystify and challenge stereotypes, while celebrating history, memory and place.
We invite you to listen, learn, participate and engage in what will be a culturally immersive experience of presentations and conversations, enriched by speakers from Canada to El Salvador, New Zealand to South Africa, as well as the diverse mosaic that is Indigenous Australia.
Jefa Greenaway (Wailwan | Kamilaroi)
Conference Convenor
Lecturer - Indigenous Curriculum Development
Melbourne School of Design
In collaboration with



This event is endorsed by the International Council of Design
About the artwork
In this commissioned piece’s interpretation by Mick Harding, Taunwurrung and Kulin and Frida Larios, Maya-pipil: two cultures speak to the Indigenous Design Symposium and beyond. We see the Kulin peoples's Bunjil deity sees through heavens carrying the Maya Kakaw (chocolate) fruit and skull in its wings, representing our ancestors. Bunjil is ready to fly while the immortal Cacao (Kakaw) root with encrusted diamond pattern, binds him to eternal Mother Earth.
Blak Design Matters
Blak Design Matters
National Survey of Contemporary Indigenous Design
Curated by Jefa Greenaway
Koori Heritage Trust
21 July – 30 September 2018
International speakers
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Lesotho (South Africa)
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Crow (USA)
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Ngā Puhi/Māori (New Zealand)
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Maya/Pipil (El Salvador)
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Mohawk (Canada)
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Métis (Canada)
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Vaovai in Falealili (Samoa)
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Rongomaiwahine/Maori (New Zealand)
Australian speakers
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Yugembir
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Wurundjeri
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Boon Wurrung
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Yorta Yorta
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Kamilaroi
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Wailwan/Kamilaroi
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Yowong-Illam-Baluk
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Ngarrindjeri/Kaurna
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Torres Strait Islander
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Alyawarr
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Palawa/Plangermaireeneer
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indigAKUCHA
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Yidinji Djabugayawa
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Mestiza; Nahua/P’urhépecha (México)
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Ngāpuhi (Ngāti Hau me Te Parawhau), Te Whakatōhea and Te Arawa
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Darug
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Bundjalung
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Djugun
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Gubbi Gubbi and Monero/Ngargio
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Ngāi Tahu; Ngāti Kahungunu; Nederlandse
Welcome and Opening Speakers
Facilitators
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Signature Keynote and Exhibition Opening
Wednesday 18 July, 2018
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Exhibition opening with signature keynotes and dance performances. -
Day 1
Thursday 19 July, 2018
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Conference opening, presentations, keynotes and indigAKUCHA. -
Day 2
Friday 20 July, 2018
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Presentations, keynotes, Yarning Circles and speakers' reception. -
Day 3 (Optional)
Saturday 21 July, 2018
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Brambuk Tour and Exhibition Opening: Blak Design Matters.
Multiple registration options are available including signature keynote and exhibition opening (free public event), two or three day conference registration.
Dates
18–21 July, 2018
Location
Go Back to Where You Came From will take place at the Melbourne School of Design building, on the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus. Further information about public transport and parking options can be found online.