Ms Natalie Harkin

I am a South Australian nunga of Narungga descent, with professional experience in government and non-government sectors, but mostly in the Indigenous higher education sector in SA.

I worked at the University of Adelaide for approximately 8 years, initially with the Wilto Yerlo Foundation Science Course for Indigenous students and then with the Faculty of Health Sciences to establish and coordinate Yaitya Purruna Indigenous Health Unit. There I was involved with the national Indigenous health curriculum project through the Committee of Deans of Australasian Medical Schools, and developed a Faculty strategy for Indigenous education. In 2004 I worked with the State Government Department for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation developing State policy across a broad range of issues and agencies.

In 2005 I returned to higher education to join the David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research (DUCIER) teaching team. I teach in DUCIER and the School of Communication to contribute to improving Indigenous knowledge education for media/communications students. In 2007 I moved into a Program Director role for the DBAA & DBAU. My love of family history and stories, land and environmental issues inform much of my teaching.

I am an ongoing member and supporter of SA Link-Up providing women’s massage at community healing workshops, and volunteering massage for elders through Aboriginal Homecare. I was a member of the SA Aboriginal Health Research Ethics Committee for four years, and held the Deputy Chair position for 12 months during this time. I am a member of Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, and the SA Indigenous Writers Group.

• Indigenous identity and representation across all communication sectors.
• Indigenous family histories and colonial policy impacts.
• Land and environmental issues.

Master of Arts (Environmental Studies)

Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies)

• Questions of Indigenous represenation and identity through the media and communications sectors.
• Family history, and the impacts of historical policies on contemporary identity.
• Creative teaching and learning strategies to embed Indigenous knowledge research and development in education.
• Our global environment, land, justice and rights.
• Indigenous storytelling, particularly contemporary life through literature, poetry and the arts.

RESEARCH AND CONFERENCE PAPERS

Harkin, N and Namow, T (in prep) Embedding Indigenous Knowledge in University Curricula through Case Study and Online Teaching: One Example, Journal of Australian Aboriginal Studies, AIATSIS.

Harkin, N. (2006). “Communication, Culture and Indigenous Australians”: Taking the 'problem' out of 'problem based learning' in core Indigenous knowledge, case based teaching. (Abstract) National Indigenous Education Forum, Conference Paper, 25 – 27 September, 2006, Adelaide, SA. http://www.unisa.edu.au/icer/IRF2006/Harkin.pdf

Harkin, N. (2006) Communication, Culture and Indigenous Australians: Case Based Learning Model, presentation at the 2006 Teacher Speak Forum, Flexible Learning Centre, The University of South Australia.

Harkin, N. and Namow, T (2005) Communication, Culture and Indigenous Australians: Virtual Resource Centre (Poster Presentation), DEASS Teaching and Learning Symposium, The University of South Australia.

Harkin, N and Lawless, A (2003) Beyond Awareness, Cross Cultural Communication and Diversity In Health. (Abstract) Diversity in Health Conference presentation, Sydney, October 2003.

Harkin, N (2000) The University of Adelaide Indigenous Medical Education Strategy, (Abstract) Conference presentation at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Scientific Convention, Townsville October 2000.

Harkin, N (2000) ‘Medical Students Learning About Ngarrindjeri Culture and Health, by Ngarrindjeri People, on Ngarrindjeri Land’ (Poster Presentation and Fieldtrip Evaluation Report), The University Adelaide.

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RESEARCH & WORKING GROUP MEMBER

DEST (2006) Increasing Vocational Learning Opportunities for Indigenous Students in Juvenile Detention: A National Research Project, David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research, with Beyond…Kathleen Stacey and Associates.

Phillips, G (2004) Committee of Deans of Australian Medical Schools (CDAMS) Indigenous Health Curriculum Framework, August 2004. (National Drafting Reference Group). http://www.onemda.unimelb.edu.au/docs/cdamsframeworkreport.pdf

Kwan, D and Guthrie, R (1996) Indigenous Australian Perspectives in Science and Technology, Curriculum Framework. Wilto Yerlo, The University of Adelaide.

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EDUCATION STRATEGIES & POLICIES

Harkin, N (2004) Yaitya Purruna, Indigenous Health and Education Strategy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide. http://www.adelaide.edu.au/health/gp/units/ypih/yp_strat_04.pdf

Harkin, N., Sevallos, N., Baker, J. and Beilby, J (2003) Yaitya Purruna: Indigenous Health Unit, 2002-2003 Annual Report, Department of General Practice, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide. http://www.adelaide.edu.au/health/gp/units/ypih/yp_annual_report_0203.pdf

Indigenous Education Strategy Working Group (2002) The University of Adelaide’s Indigenous Education Strategy: 2003-2005, The University of Adelaide. http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/53/

Harkin, N (2002) Faculty of Health Sciences Indigenous Student Admissions Policy. University Adelaide.

Harkin, N and Beilby, J (2002) Yaitya Purruna: Indigenous Health Unit, 2001/2002 Annual Report, Department of General Practice, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide. http://www.adelaide.edu.au/health/gp/units/ypih/yp_annual_report.pdf

Harkin, N and Mackean, T (2001) The Indigenous Health and Education Strategic Plan for the Faculty of Health Sciences 2001-2004. University of Adelaide.