Indigenous issues at the Hawke Institute
by Andrew Lees
He
might come from the other side of the world, but Doctor Peter Skold
proved there was much we could learn from each other on a recent trip to
UniSA’s Hawke Research Institute.
Dr Skold, of Sweden’s Umea University, was here to discuss the Sami, Scandinavia’s Indigenous people and their experience with colonisation and modernisation.
An internationally respected historical demographer, Prof Skold has taken a keen interest in Australia’s Indigenous people and said the links between Umea University and the Hawke Research Institute would help to develop a broader international understanding of Indigenous issues.
“I strongly believe in the international context,” he said. “What Sweden might learn from Australia is the respect that is so carefully paid to Indigenous people here. That’s important, not only from practical point of view but also for reasons of paying respect.”
It is this form of reciprocal learning that the Hawke Institute is famous for.
Institute Director Professor Alison MacKinnon said a large number of international academics share their knowledge and methods with their Australian counterparts through the Hawke Research Institute.
“I think we learn a great deal from each other’s methodologies,” she said. “Visiting academics link us in to significant debate and we often find they are very interested in our research and what we’re developing.
“The wellbeing of Indigenous people is very much a part of a sustainable society, so Peter’s presentations are very informative.”
Prof Mackinnon also said such exchanges with Umea University help to strengthen the links between UniSA academics and the world.
“We have a considerable number of researchers coming here, and our researchers cross a range of interests. It gives us the benefit of a Scandanavian perspective on our research and they also very much enjoy our perspective,” she said.
Prof Skold said he hoped to follow up on his new contacts in Australia and initiate research to tackle the problems faced by Indigenous people.
“These issues are very complex and can be handled in many different ways. That’s what I’m here to learn,” he said.
“I’ve already met several very skilled researchers and I’m sure that several new projects will be initiated.
“I have a great hope that not only one, but many researchers from UniSA will stay at Umea, helping to strengthen the international environment at our institute.”