Today, August 9^th is the International Day of World's Indigenous People. You can read further to find out what's happening in your own backyard.

The Day was first proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1994 to be celebrated every year during the first International Decade of the World's Indigenous People (1995 - 2004).

Prof Bronwyn Fredericks is keen to promote the role of media in highlighting achievements by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

In 2004, the Assembly proclaimed a Second International Decade, from 2005 - 2015, with the theme of 'A Decade for Action and Dignity'.

The focus of this year's International Day of World's Indigenous People is 'Indigenous Media, Empowering Indigenous Voices'.

The theme aims to highlight the importance of Indigenous media in challenging stereotypes, forging Indigenous peoples' identities, communicating with the outside world, and influencing the social and political agenda.

Professor Bronwyn Fredericks, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement) and BMA Chair in Indigenous Engagement expressed that she'd also "like the broader media to focus on these issues too".

She said "one of the reasons why CQUniversity was featuring Indigenous stories so regularly was part of this broader emphasis and to showcase the value that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people bring to the University community and indeed to all sectors of society".  

"I am inspired by the way the CQUniversity media team has taken up the challenge to work on this too," she said.

A special event at UN Headquarters in New York today will feature speakers and videos of Indigenous media organisations, with a live webcast. On Twitter, use #UNIndigenousDay for regular updates and for sending questions to panel members.

LINK below for some relevant and recently published UniNews stories:

LINK for larger images

Indigenous presentation a highlight at International Nursing Congress

It's a fair 'CoP' - Indigenisation and Internationalisation explored

CQUni scores interest at Expo hosted by former Origin greats

Link Up boosts CQ presence, aims to bring Indigenous families together

Uni broadens acquisition of Indigenous artworks

Culture in action at PhD confirmation seminar

'Strong Women - Hard Yarns' booklet launch soon