First Nations Australian Early Career Academics’ Experiences of Working in a University and Their Perceptions of a Program to Support Their Recruitment and Retention

This study examined the benefits and outcomes of the Yarning for Success (YfS) Program – an initiative led by the University of Queensland’s Poche Centre for Indigenous Health to support the recruitment and retention of First Nations Australian early career academics (ECAs). Qualitative interview data from seven of the nine program participants was analysed from an Indigenous standpoint using narrative inquiry. The life experiences of First Nations Australian ECAs shaped their journey into the academy. Key benefits of the YfS Program were culturally safe spaces, strong and nurturing leadership and support, and transformative connections and networks. Of the seven First Nations Australian ECAs interviewed, five have conferred and one has passed their PhD. Racial microaggressions created peer and institutional expectations for some First Nations Australian ECAs to undertake additional work because of their Indigenous identity. Enhancing the benefits and outcomes of the YfS Program for First Nations Australian ECAs requires the implementation of university wide anti-racist strategies.