AIATSIS welcomes the announcement by the Minister for Education and Training Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham, of the appointment of Professor Michael McDaniel as the new Chairperson of the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Council.
Professor McDaniel is a member of the Kalari Clan of the Wiradjuri Nation of Central New South Wales and is currently the Pro-Vice Chancellor (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement) at the University of Technology Sydney.
With an extensive background in the arts and education sectors, Professor McDaniel brings to this new role a deep passion and commitment to the critical part AIATSIS plays in recognising, respecting, celebrating and valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and culture.
AIATSIS CEO, Craig Ritchie, welcomed the Minister’s announcement saying that “Professor McDaniel’s appointment as Chairperson has come at a pivotal period in the history of AIATSIS.”
“At AIATSIS our mission is a profound yet simple one: to tell the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia, to create opportunities for encounter, engagement and transformation through this story; and to shape our national narrative. I look forward to working closely with our new Chairperson and Council to fulfil this mission”, Mr Ritchie said.
The current AIATSIS Council consists of Professor Michael McDaniel (Chair), Ms Donisha Duff, Mr Stephen Kinnane, Ms Rachel Perkins, Professor Cindy Shannon, Mrs Jodie Sizer, Dr Myfany Turpin and Mr Geoffrey Winters.
Media release
Media enquiries
Commsmedia@aiatsis.gov.au or 02 6246 1605