What is the David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research? The David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research (DUCIER) was named in honour of Aboriginal writer, inventor and prominent advocate for Indigenous Australians, David Unaipon.

The David Unaipon Story (1872 – 1967) Born at the Point McLeay Mission (now the Raukkan community), David Unaipon was Australia’s first published Indigenous writer, his writings appearing in newspapers and magazines from 1924. In 1929, David became the first Aboriginal writer to publish a novel, the Native Legends. Heralded a ‘Black genius’ and a modern ‘Leonardo da Vinci’ for his inventions which included: An improved shearing hand-piece (patented in 1909) The invention of helicopter flight, after researching the flight of the boomerang Awarded a Coronation medal in 1953 for his many achievements Very influential in government policy and represented Aboriginal views widely, including the 1913 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Affairs In 2001, a manuscript originally written by David Unaipon (between 1924 and 1925) was posthumously published under his name by Melbourne University Press entitled, Legendary Tales of the Australian Aborigines

The David Unaipon Story (1872 – 1967) Immortalised on the Australian $50 note for his successes as an inventor, writer, preacher and public advocate for the rights of his people, his vision was to produce an enduring record of Aboriginal customs, beliefs and values The annual David Unaipon Award for unpublished works by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders honours his memory

History of DUCIER DUCIER has grown from its beginnings in the 1970s as a foundation course for Indigenous students to become the first faculty of Indigenous studies in Australia. Today, DUCIER is the longest serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander tertiary education program and much of the recognition of the University of South Australia as a progressive Indigenous education provider is largely due to DUCIER’s success.

Under the auspices of UniSA’s founding legislation pertaining to Indigenous Content in Undergraduate Programs (ICUP) and UniSA’s graduate qualities policy, DUCIER has four major responsibilities: Provides advice to the University on all matters relating to Indigenous Australians as well as contributing to policy issues in the related areas. Offers awards and courses in Indigenous Studies and Australian Studies from the degree level through to PhD. Facilitates and undertakes Indigenous related research and consultancy projects, locally, nationally and internationally. Facilitates and manages Indigenous student entry into university awards and provides academic support services for Indigenous students.