14 First Nations students who will graduate from the University of Adelaide this semester have had their accomplishments celebrated at a special event this week hosted by Wirltu Yarlu, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander unit of the prestigious University.
For Adnyamathanha and Barngarla woman Dr Rebecca Richards, achieving her PhD in Anthropology is the realisation of eight years of hard work, as well as challenges.
Coming from the Northern Flinders Ranges, Dr Richards was Australia's first Aboriginal Rhodes Scholar in 2010.
Her Doctorate research allowed her to work with the Adnyamathanha community with the support of Elders and the community helping her to achieve her goal.
"My PhD analyses how Adnyamathanha people are using photographic archives today, which enabled me to create an exhibition," Dr Richards said.
"I also examined Adnyamathanha's photos and histories at the South Australian Museum, which is all part of my PhD."
The 2012 SA Young Australian of the Year said she gained a "wealth of knowledge" from the Elders in the community.
"This work has also enabled Elders to connect to young people, which will impact their communities for years," she said.
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The Wirltu Yarlu graduation event saw First Nations students presented with a cultural sash - to wear over their graduation gown during the University's official graduation ceremony - which identifies the students' cultural heritage as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, as well as recognising the importance and role of Indigenous culture in shaping the graduates.
Aranda and Yankunytjatjara man Jack O'Neil was excited to receive his sash, which he will wear when he graduates from a Bachelor of Commerce and Accounting.
"Having that cultural support is very important," he said, commending the support of Wirltu Yarlu.
"Having other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to connect with while at University is key to success."
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Engagement), Professor Steve Larkin, said Wirltu Yarlu is about providing the opportunities and support for Indigenous people to pursue higher education, as well as helping them achieve their goals.
"Today's graduation is a testament to the importance of our job," Professor Larkin said.
"These students overcome numerous obstacles and challenges to get here today, showing everyone that anything is possible if we set our minds to it and work hard towards a goal."
Dr Richards will be the Mace Bearer at her graduation ceremony in a role reserved for students who have distinguished themselves through academic and other achievements.
"I am now a Research Associate at the University of Adelaide and a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Swinburne University of Technology, focusing on creating a photo archive for the Ngarrindjeri people," she said.
"My PhD has allowed me to expand my work to develop invaluable photography archives, working with different Aboriginal groups."
On LinkedIn, Wirltu Yarlu said the celebration during the week was an "event filled with immense pride".
"These graduates have navigated numerous challenges, emerging triumphant and ready to shape the future. They exemplify what is truly achievable when passion meets perseverance," the post said.
"As the new graduates step forward wearing their cultural sashes proudly, we are filled with admiration. They carry the pride of their degrees and the essence of the First Nations culture, which profoundly shapes their identities."
