Abstract
The recruitment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into University is highly prioritized at Edith Cowan University with increases in student enrolments of this cohort each year over the past three years. There is now a much-needed focus on the retention and consequent completion rates of this cohort. Feedback from and conversations with students indicate a hunger for greater cultural and spiritual connection during their student journey. This is particularly so for students coming from rural and remote areas and those who are the first in their family to attend University. Ngala Karla is a new initiative to ignite cultural connectedness and supportive relationships for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students to kindle a positive learning journey at Edith Cowan University. Ngala Karla is a Nyoongar phrase meaning ‘Our Home Fires’ and reflects the connection to ‘home’ or ‘place’ by providing a sense of belonging while undertaking their studies. This initiative aims to complement existing student support services by empowering current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through cultural connectedness and spiritual growth as they undertake their learning journey. Proactive personal contact, opportunities to meet with local Nyoongar leaders and regular targeted ‘culture and spirit’ based workshops aim to reduce the fear, isolation and dispiritedness often felt by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at University. Long-term objectives include ways to explore with individual students ways in which their status as graduates can be valued in their family and community. Collaboratively measuring the impact of the project in a number of well-being domains including cultural and spiritual connectedness highlights levels of engagement leading to better retention and ultimately completion.