Aboriginal academic leads way with Master of Criminal Justice degree
Published on 16 April, 2009
Bundaberg-based Cheri Yavu-Kama-Harathunian is paving the way for Indigenous people by completing a Master of Criminal Justice degree...
It is believed she is possibly the first* Aboriginal graduate from this degree from the University of Western Australia.
Cheri is Head of CQUniversity's Indigenous Learning, Spirituality & Research Centre (Nulloo Yumba) at our Bundaberg Campus.
She has previously completed a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Indigenous and Community Health with Curtin University of Technology.
Cheri worked for many years in various roles in the Western Australian criminal justice system.
As part of a 3-member team, she set up the Victim Offender Mediation Unit and then worked in prison-based therapeutic programs, guiding the rehabilitation of men who committed violent and sexual crimes.
"Working with these men gave me a greater understanding of our Australian adversarial system of law and an appreciation of the advocacy system of law followed by other countries," Cheri said.
Her career has been linked to a philosophical understanding of criminal justice and criminal activity, particularly within Indigenous Australia.
This led to her involvement as Project Manager of the Western Australian Law Reform Commission's statewide Aboriginal Customary Law Project [from which she hopes that some answers will be found for the high rates of Indigenous people entering prison in all state jurisdictions].
"I think the national rate now stands well over the 44% of the last decade and that is criminal in itself," she says.
The daughter of an Aboriginal pastor and civil rights leader, and as an ordained pastor herself, Cheri's role in her community is:
"... Always encouraging my people, particularly our younger generations, to see and understand the vital role education can play in maintaining our culture and opening up opportunities for them to explore the options open to them for life and living".
The Indigenous academic has an affinity with the land and her people and is focused on positive social change and understanding. It's no surprise that Nulloo Yumbah students find her to be a good role model.
Cheri acknowledges CQUniversity's assistance in completion of her latest qualification and says her Nulloo Yumbah role also complemented her studies.
* Records are still being cross-checked.