Dialogues Across Cultures Conference

On November 11-14 2004 the Centre for Australian Indigenous Studies at Monash University will host a major international symposium "Dialogues Across Cultures" focusing on cultural diversity and difference within a community and their relationship to Indigenous culture and identity. The main objective is to foster and encourage discussion about the relationship between various cultural identities and groups, and their place with the community and nation, with special emphasis on the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons, groups and cultures. The symposium will draw together a broad range of prominent local, national and international scholars, cultural practitioners and community figures interested in cultural diversity, Indigenous and human rights, politics, education and development, history and literature, music, art and film.

"Art work 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, Indigenous, 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 back to their respective communities over time."