The Kids Research Institute Australia acknowledges Aboriginal people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters of Australia. We also acknowledge the Nyoongar Wadjuk, Yawuru, Kariyarra and Kaurna Elders, their people and their land upon which the Institute is located and seek their wisdom in our work to improve the health and development of all children.
The Kulunga Aboriginal Unit is the primary professional services unit in The Kids Research Institute Australia that supports researchers conducting Aboriginal health research and links Aboriginal communities and organisations with key research that will work towards closing the gap in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal children and families​.
Purpose
Kulunga is the core Aboriginal Unit of The Kids Research Institute Australia and has four goals:
- Provide support, advice and community navigation for all The Kids researchers focused on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal children and families to ensure the research responds to community needs and meets the standards for Aboriginal Health Research.
- Provide cultural training and oversight of cultural governance within research projects.
- Provide training and support for all Aboriginal people involved in conducting the The Kids research effort, now and in the future, and enable their career trajectory.
- Build awareness and understanding of The Kids research in Aboriginal communities.
The key focus of the Unit is to facilitate research interest and opportunities that involve Aboriginal families and communities as well as building the capacity and development of Institute researchers working on Aboriginal projects.