About the Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies (CAIS)
The Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies is a multi-purpose centre engaged in research and teaching of Australian Indigenous Studies and support of Indigenous students.
The Centre promotes interdisciplinary approaches to improve understandings of Australian Indigenous cultures, history, colonialism, reconciliation and post-colonialism.
Our director is Professor Lynette Russell, Deputy Dean of Arts.
Our staff
CAIS staff have received awards for excellence in teaching and research supervision.
View more information about CAIS staff.
Research
Our researchers are internationally renowned for their interdisciplinary approaches to Indigenous Studies in anthropology, archaeology and history.
A monthly seminar series, publications, conferences and public talks all contribute to the commitment of the Centre to promote Indigenous Studies in Australia and overseas.
View more information about CAIS research.
Study opportunities
Undergraduate units may be studied as part of a Bachelor of Arts or as electives in other degrees and include units such Native Title and Legal Issues, Aboriginal Women, and Hearing the Country.
Honours, postgraduate courswork Masters by research and PhD degrees are also available.
Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students are welcome.
View more information about CAIS study opportunities.
Support for Indigenous students
The Indigenous Student Support Unit offers support and companionship to Indigenous Students undertaking a degree at any campus of Monash University.
Indigenous students are encouraged to consider tertiary study as an option for their future through Monash University’s entry options for Indigenous students.
Further information about the Indigenous Student Services Unit.
Elizabeth Eggleston Memorial Library
The Elizabeth Eggleston Memorial Library is a specialised Indigenous research library and incorporates the Marie Barry research room. A significant collection of Indigenous resources is available for private and academic research. The library is located in the Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies at the Clayton campus.
View more information about the Elizabeth Eggleston Memorial Library.
The artwork
The artwork used to identify CAIS was designed by Sam Juparulla Wickman. The original piece is made of glass.
There are three parts to the design:
- The structures at the base symbolise the urban environment of Monash University.
- The circular image within these structures symbolise CAIS, a meeting place for the community and Indigenous and non-Indigenous students and staff of the University.
- The lines flowing from this meeting place represent the journey Indigenous people make between Monash University and their respective communities over time.