Wayanha knowledge hierarchies: sovereign cosmologies standing across generations

This article advocates for the transformative shift away from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) models, toward Indigenous sovereignty in research and curriculum development. Emphasising the centrality of Indigenous cultures, knowledge systems, and cosmologies, I argue against tokenistic colonizing approaches and call for decolonization that goes beyond mere additions or adjustments to existing structures. Drawing on Indigenous voices and perspectives, this paper explores the reclaiming of research methodologies and work within the academy that is grounded in ancestral wisdom to challenge hierarchical knowledge systems that continue to dominate within the academy. The Wiradyuri cosmology and concept of Winhangidyal, knowledge, serves as the guiding sovereign anchor to which these arguments are grounded.