13 INDIGENOUS PROGRAMS TRINITY TODAY the seeds of possibility. ‘For many young Indigenous people, there isn’t a natural progression to university within your family,’ says Jerome. ‘You grow up not thinking or even knowing about the potential opportunities a tertiary education can bring, and that’s why the programs at Trinity can be so important.’ INTO THE FUTURE Campbell recognises that some people might find Trinity’s strident focus on Indigenous education curious, but believes strongly that it is the way of the future. ‘Institutionally, we’re very secure about who we are and where we’re going, and if that’s not what some think Trinity is, that’s okay, because I’m sure similar comments were made 40 years ago when we went co-ed,’ he says. ‘As a college, we want to help young people of exceptional promise to imagine and create a better world. What better illustration is there of that opportunity than this sort of work?’ Looking ahead, Campbell places much hope on Trinity’s students to help drive reconciliation. He recalls a graduate medical student recently speaking at a College dinner, asking why, and how, an affluent country such as Australia could have such disproportionate incidences of youth suicide, Type II diabetes and other public health issues among its Indigenous population. ‘I would hope all the young adults who were in the Dining Hall that night are thinking about that now. Ideally, some of them will do something about it, as we know many of these people will end up in positions of influence.’ So, what’s Campbell’s parting wish for the College? ‘I’d like to know that students who come to Trinity at least understand, and hopefully embrace, our work towards building a reconciled and purposeful nation,’ he says. ‘For non-Indigenous students, I hope that part of their Trinity experience is about grasping the beauty and opportunity Indigenous Australia presents.’ In a final comment, Campbell loops it all back to that visionary Indigenous student who appealed for a society that erases the notion of us and them. ‘When Indigenous Australians in higher education are recognised in a way that they are an important part of the fabric and normal practice of our institution, I think we will have done our job.’ GARMA As part of Trinity’s Indigenous program, six students attended Garma in the Northern Territory this year. The festival aims to be Australia’s Indigenous equivalent of the World Economic Forum, engaging business leaders, politicians, academics, journalists and students in discussions about key issues affecting Indigenous Australians. ‘Garma is an amazing festival and I would like to thank the Yolngu people for welcoming us to their country, the Yothu Yindi Foundation for facilitating the event, and »ÆÉ«app for giving students the opportunity to attend.’ NATHAN HUCKER (2ND YEAR) ‘Garma is such a unique learning experience, although not easy at times. The festival is all encompassing and immerses you in both cultural practice and political forums. This year’s theme of ‘truth telling’ ran through all parts of the festival and exemplified the need for change in health and education outcomes for Indigenous Australians.’ NINA BROWN (2ND YEAR)