The usefulness of the idea and concept of reconciliation for guiding Australian Indigenous higher education in the postcolonial, post-imperial world

This chapter examines the strengths and limitations of the idea of reconciliation and the concept of Reconciliation for guiding Australian Indigenous higher education into the 21st century. Drawing on research and discussions over the past 20 years and, in particular, the findings of a recent study by Goerke, we report on the views of prominent Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian political and educational leaders about universities in Australia and their engagement with the aspirations of the Indigenous peoples of Australia. We explore a particular concept known internationally as ‘Reconciliation’ and its policy lever that has been operationalised in some Australia universities to guide this work – the ‘Reconciliation Action Plans’ (RAPs).