What does ‘Ethnocultural’ mean?

We define ‘Ethnocultural’ as students who self-identify as being from a minority racial or ethnic origin, who come together with a common experience of facing systemic racism. We use the term “ethnocultural” interchangeably with the term “[people] of colour”, with the explicit understanding that this definition includes, but is not strictly limited to: mixed-race or bi-racial people, people who are white-passing (i.e. are perceived to be white due to skin colour and other identifying features), and people who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.

 

What is the Ethnocultural Department and what do we do?

The Ethnocultural Department is an autonomous and non-political group that provides a community of support and solidarity for all people of colour at the University. Our Officer represents our interests in the ANU Student Representative Council, giving us a direct voice on university decisions.

Aside from ANUSA work, what we do fits into three categories: advocacy, social and networking. We run campaigns on issues relevant to our communities; anything from refugee rights to mental health. Sometimes these events are non-autonomous, a place for everyone to learn! We also throw events on campus, have autonomous fortnightly meetings, and socialise online and over coffee.

Fortnightly meetings: starting week 1, Wednesdays 6pm

Weekly Chai & Chats: keep an eye on our Facebook page for information!

 

Who forms the collective?

Every undergraduate student who identifies with the term “ethnocultural” as defined above is a member of this department. Department meetings and events are always open to all collective members, providing a safe space to speak openly about our experiences and opinions and to plan campaigns and events.

‘Autonomous’: if you see an event labelled as this, then it means it’s only open to those who identify as part of our collective.

‘Non-autonomous’: some events will be open to all, regardless of whether you identify as ethnocultural or not!

 

Get in touch with us!

Email: sa.ethnocultural@anu.edu.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ANUEthnoculturalDepartment/ Autonomous Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/491650024345060/

 

2020 Executive

Department Officer: Zenia Vasaiwalla

Deputy Officer: Niroshnee Ranjan

Treasurer: Stefan Thottankal

Secretary: Anushri Goswami

Publicity Officers: Nadia Setipa & Lulu Alvarez-Mon