The Palawa Resource Database

Authors and presenters

• Cindy Thomas, Library and Cultural Collections, Academic Division

• Jacob Prehn, Associate Dean Indigenous, CALE

Abstract

This presentation explores the Palawa Resource Database. The Database is a new learning and teaching resource for all staff at the University of Tasmania to assist in the Indigenisation of the Curriculum. The database currently contains over 80 entries and provides a centralised repository for resources that Palawa (Tasmanian Aboriginal) people have created, produced or contributed. The Mukurtu platform houses the Database and is available to all University of Tasmania staff upon request. While each resource is protected under copyright, resources may also be accompanied by Palawa Community records and/or Traditional Knowledge (TK) Labels to provide additional context; and assist users in being culturally aware and undertaking appropriate use and the correct acknowledgement of Aboriginal knowledges, experiences and artefacts. Tasmanian Aboriginal community members have developed community records and cultural protocols that are place- and context-specific. 

In this presentation, we detail the development and future direction of the Database. We also showcase how staff can use the Database for Palawa resources to include in their curriculum Indigenisation.