In the lead-up to NAIDOC Week 2025, Australia Awards scholars from Mongolia participated in a series of Indigenous engagement activities held across Australia and online. Scholars from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka also took part, with the experiences offering participants meaningful opportunities to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Indigenous Australians’ culture, traditions, history and achievements.

Building on the success of last year’s First Nations experience, Australia Awards – South Asia & Mongolia delivered a flagship initiative: a four-day, three-night immersive First Nations study tour in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, South Australia. Ten selected scholars from South Asia and Mongolia, including several who identify as indigenous or come from traditionally marginalised groups, travelled from across Australia to participate in this experience. Scholars undertook activities to learn about the relationship that the Adnyamathanha people, the Traditional Owners of the greater Ikara and Flinders Ranges area, have with the environment. Scholars also learnt about Indigenous history, knowledge and perspectives through a trivia and storytelling event at Ikara, leading to a discussion of this year’s NAIDOC theme: ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’.

Scholar Sarantuya tries traditional fire making with Adnyamathanha guide Izzy in the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park.

Following her participation in the study tour, Mongolian scholar Sarantuya Batgerel said, “It was a privilege to connect with Aboriginal people and learn about their deep spiritual and cultural ties to nature. Their environmentally conscious lifestyle reminded me of my own nomadic heritage in Mongolia, where living in harmony with nature is also central to our identity. Reflecting on the experience.”

In Melbourne, scholars took part in the Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, a site of great cultural significance to the Kulin Nation. The experience began with a traditional Welcome to Country delivered by local guides, who then led the group through the gardens. Along the way, they shared stories of the land and its people, pointing out native plants used for food, medicine and tools—each with its own cultural meaning. Through the activity, scholars gained insight into the rich history and thriving culture of the local Indigenous community.

Mongolian scholar Duurenjargal Chinbat said, “Words can hardly capture the spiritual richness of these places. Exploring the unique plants and vibrant culture of Aboriginal people alongside my fellow peers was a truly enriching and unforgettable experience.”

Scholars (left to right) Aisulu Aibat, Duurenjargal Chinbat, and Sarantuya Batgerel feel an animal skin during the Melbourne Aboriginal Heritage Walk.

In Sydney, scholars travelled to Bundeena Royal National Park, located on the traditional lands of the Dharawal people. Richard Campbell, a member of the Yuin Nation, began the tour with a smoking ceremony, Welcome to Country and face-painting using ochre. Richard shared cultural stories through traditional artefacts, such as fire sticks, boomerangs, digging tools, shields and animal furs. Scholars also had the opportunity for hands-on engagement by learning traditional boomerang throwing and fire-making techniques.

Mongolian scholar Solongo Erdenebat expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to learn and connect through the experience. “As an international student in Australia, I found it incredibly meaningful to learn about the history of Aboriginal peoples. Learning about their nature-based lifestyle, traditional knowledge, and use of native plants for daily living and healing was truly eye-opening. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the rich cultural heritage and wisdom of Indigenous communities,” she said.

Scholar Solongo holding a shield shared by guide Richard Campbell, a member of the Yuin Nation, during the Bundeena Indigenous Bush Walk.

In an online Aboriginal weaving workshop, scholars connected with Ronnie Jordan, a Pitta Pitta Wangkamahdla woman, and Coen, a Pitta Pitta Wangkamahdla Muruwari Ngemba man. Ronnie opened the session with storytelling, explaining how woven objects serve as tangible links between the weaver, their ancestors and the land, while also acting as tools for mindfulness and reflection. Scholars, who had received weaving materials in advance, followed step-by-step instructions to learn coil weaving and rope making. The shared activity fostered a sense of community among participants across Australia, while celebrating the resilience, creativity and living traditions of Indigenous cultures.

Reflecting on the experience, Mongolian scholar Nyamsuren Baatar said, “Like Australia’s First Nations peoples, Mongolians hold a deep respect for nature and are strongly committed to environmental stewardship. One of my personal goals while studying in Australia is to learn more about Aboriginal culture, so this workshop was especially meaningful and inspiring for me.”

These immersive experiences continue to foster meaningful cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among the scholars from South Asia and Mongolia, reinforcing the importance of Indigenous knowledge and heritage in contemporary Australia.