Indigenous symposium focuses on cultural diversity

Over 150 leading international and Australian academics and researchers in cultural and indigenous studies will come together at a landmark international indigenous symposium hosted by Monash University to discuss cultural diversity, indigenous culture and identity.

The conference will begin on Friday, November 12 bringing together a broad range of prominent spokespeople and scholars including Professors Mick Dodson, Jonathan Friedman, Marcia Langton and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak.

The three day event titled 'Dialogues Across Cultures' will be launched at the Sheraton Towers on Thursday, 11 November at 5.45pm by Monash University vice-chancellor Professor Richard Larkins and Lord Mayor of Melbourne Mr John So. An indigenous ceremony and welcome by Wurundjeri elder Ms Joy Murphy-Wandin will follow.

Chair of the Centre for Australian and Indigenous studies at Monash University Professor Lynette Russell said the event will put the centre on the map as leaders in interdisciplinary research and intellectual activity.

"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," she said.

The symposium will include lectures, discussions, presentations, film screenings and exhibitions over the three days.

What: 'Dialogues Across Cultures' symposium

Where: Sheraton Towers Southgate, One Southgate Avenue, Melbourne City

When: Friday, 12 November -- Sunday, 14 November

Speakers: Over 150 national and international speakers including: Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Ghassan Hage, Sir Tipene O'Regan, Paul Patton, Sneja Gunew, Patrick Wolfe, Dipesh Chakrabarty, Lynette Russell, Jonathan Friedman, Marcia Langton, Rob Jahnke, Professor Mick Dodson, Arohia Durie, Nikos Papastergiadis, Zane Ma Rhea.

For further information or to arrange interviews contact Ms Ingrid Sanders in Media Communications on +61 3 9905 9201. For program details visit the Conference website.