First Nations Sovereignty and Diplomacy Centre

First Nations Sovereignty and Diplomacy Centre (FNSDC)

FNSDC is a unique ‘dual academy’ led, operated and guided by Indigenous elders in collaboration with non-Indigenous academics within the Faculty of Arts and Society. FNDC's primary focus is to extend and nurture the network of First Nations sovereign groups in Australian First Nations education and research.

FNDC operates with the following three Yolŋu concepts in practice:

Wata - seasonal winds that explain how each group of Yolŋu recognises its place in the world through understanding the winds and breezes that come to them from other places. It talks about being in place and meeting others through connections among places.

Warraw’ – temporary ceremonial shelters where the owners of a particular landscape enact ancestral knowledges under the guidance and supervision of their guardians and custodians.

Mulka' – a space where Yolŋu elders and emerging generations comfortably sit, support each other, and work respectfully with mindfulness of reciprocal care.

Researchers/ Lectures L-R Brenda, Joy and Gawura

A long history of connection and partnership between Yolŋu scholars and elders in communities with CDU academics and researchers is the foundation of the Centre. Recognised by Indigenous communities across NT and beyond, FNSDC provides a culturally comfortable space for First Nation Authorities and teachers to come together to share knowledge and contribute to research projects, teaching-learning programs and language-related research work. These authorities provide cultural expertise and value to courses like the Indigenous Cultural Diplomacy program (Kaurareg, Mawng, Ngambri Nations) and First Nations language programs.

This work is vital in changing non-Indigenous ways of knowing the world and promoting consultative and collaborative research and teaching practices so that First Nations Rom (Culture, Law, System, Values) can be understood properly and taken seriously.