The School of Indigenous Knowledges is led by Aboriginal staff and is co-located with the Kulbardi Aboriginal Center at Murdoch University. The School aims to bring in as many knowledge holders from the community to teach students.
Staff members
Associate Professor Ms Jenna Woods
Dean, School of Indigenous Knowledges
Associate Professor Ms Jenna Woods
Dean, School of Indigenous Knowledges
Jenna is a Noongar woman with family connections to the South West. She has been at Murdoch University since 2010, first as a student and then a teaching-focused academic. Jenna’s teaching background includes the disciplines of Australian Indigenous Studies and Community Development with a teaching focus on the theory and practice of working with Indigenous communities and community development more generally. Her areas of interest include Aboriginal women’s and children’s interests, the impact of racism on Aboriginal communities, family violence, gender relations and social justice.
Academic profile
Professor Chanelle van den Berg
Pro Vice Chancellor, First Nations
Professor Chanelle van den Berg
Pro Vice Chancellor, First Nations
The PVC (First Nations) supports the Vice Chancellor in delivering Murdoch University’s ambition to increase the participation and achievement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the University, both as students and staff. The role also promotes cultural inclusivity and the development of a culturally safe working and learning environment. The role supports the development of the School of Indigenous Knowledges and will be responsible for building the university to become a first choice for First Nations peoples.
Academic Profile
Professor Jeremiah Peiffer
Postgraduate Research Chair
Professor Jeremiah Peiffer
Postgraduate Research Chair
Jeremiah has been part of the Murdoch Community since 2009 as a member of the School of Allied Health and as the Dean of Graduate Studies (2019 to 2025). He now acts in the role of Professor of Exercise Science in the School of Allied Health and as the Postgraduate Research Chair for the School of Indigenous Knowledges. Jeremiah's research vision is to enhance the ageing experience through the inclusion of physical activity. His other areas of interest include organisational leadership and the mentoring of Early and Mid-career academics and Higher Degree by Research candidates
Academic profile
Jordan Ah Chee
Associate Dean Learning and Teaching
Jordan Ah Chee
Associate Dean Learning and Teaching
Jordan is the lecturer in the Two-Way Science unit for the School of Indigenous Knowledges. He has family connections to the Bindjareb, Wardandi, Palyku, Yawuru, and Nyikina peoples. His work entails integrating Indigenous science knowledge into the courses at Murdoch University and working with local community to ensure culturally appropriate and engaging coursework. His area of interest is education and STEM outreach. He is currently undergoing research into Indigenous astronomy and Songlines of the Noongar people.
Academic Profile
Janinne Gliddon
Associate Dean Engagement
Janinne Gliddon
Associate Dean Engagement
Janinne Gliddon is a highly respected Aboriginal health advocate in Western Australia and a proud Badimia Yamatji and Ballardong Nyoongar woman with over 30 years of public service experience in health and housing. She was inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame in 2022 for her trailblazing contributions to Aboriginal health.
Grantley Winmar is a Lecturer in Indigenous Knowledges at Murdoch University. As a proud Noongar man and passionate educator, Grantley is deeply committed to embedding First Nations perspectives across various areas of the curriculum. He actively champions Indigenous-led approaches to education, striving to foster greater understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture and knowledge systems.
Grace Wyeth is a Lecturer within the School of Indigenous Knowledges and a Student Success Advisor at Kulbardi, Murdoch University. With a background in conservation science, Grace brings a unique perspective to her dual roles, combining environmental knowledge with cultural advocacy. She is deeply committed to supporting Aboriginal student success through Kulbardi and advancing the teaching and learning of Indigenous Knowledges through SIK.
Angela Ryder
Honorary Fellow
Angela Ryder
Honorary Fellow
Angela Ryder is a Wilman Noongar woman, community leader, and a member of the Stolen Generation. She co-founded the Langford Aboriginal Association and served as a Senior Manager for Relationships Australia. Born in Denmark, WA, she was placed in missions from ages 8 to 12. Ryder has been Treasurer for both Langford Aboriginal Association and NAIDOC Perth, and a broadcaster for Noongar Radio. Her significant community contributions were recognised with the 2013 NAIDOC Community Person of the Year award, a 2011 induction into WA’s Women’s Hall of Fame, and the prestigious John Curtin Medal.
Anthony Hansen
Honorary Fellow
Anthony Hansen
Honorary Fellow
Anthony Hansen is a Noongar man and a Stolen Generation Survivor, having spent 15 years in Marribank Mission. With 28 years in government roles, including with WA Police, he now leads cultural care at Parkerville Children & Youth Care. Hansen ensures Aboriginal children in care stay connected to their culture and families. He co-chairs the Bringing Them Home Committee WA, is deputy chair of WASGAC, and serves on multiple Indigenous boards, advocating for justice, truth, healing, and cultural integrity.
Olman Walley
Honorary Fellow
Olman Walley
Honorary Fellow
Olman Walley, a Wilman, Balardong, Binjareb, and Wadjuk Nyoongar man, was raised in the Wilman region. His Noongar name is Chitty Chitty (Willy Wagtail). For over 25 years, he has shared Noongar stories, music, and dance across Australia and internationally. He has welcomed the Dalai Lama, performed with the WA Symphony Orchestra, and is the Fremantle Dockers’ official didgeridoo player. Walley founded dance groups, including a program for children, and teaches in schools to foster cultural pride. His business, Boorloo Experiences, won the 2023 NAIDOC Perth Business of the Year award.
Ingrid Cumming
Honorary Fellow
Ingrid Cumming
Honorary Fellow
A Whadjuk and Balardong Noongar woman, is a passionate advocate for Indigenous knowledge, cultural awareness, and reconciliation. With a background in community engagement, consultancy, and education, she delivers cultural competence training, develops reconciliation action plans, and advises on inclusive strategies. Her innovative approach blends traditional knowledge with modern practices. A recognised thought leader and changemaker, she is also a compelling speaker and storyteller who promotes equity, inclusion, and respect.
Alison Scott
Honorary Fellow
Alison Scott
Honorary Fellow
A proud Noongar woman from Boorloo, is the founding Director of Kwobap Consultancy, which focuses on community safety and equity for First Nations families. Motivated by the tragic death of her sister due to domestic violence, Alison co-led WA’s Family Violence Crisis Talk, which led to significant government changes. She is the inaugural Co-Chair of the National Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Lived Experience Advisory Council and serves on multiple advisory boards, advocating for transformative change and cultural integrity in how systems interact with Aboriginal communities
Dr James (Jim) Morrison
Honorary Doctor of the University
Dr James (Jim) Morrison
Honorary Doctor of the University
Dr Jim Morrison, a Minang-Goreng Noongar Elder and Traditional Custodian, was named 2023 NAIDOC Male Elder of the Year. For over 50 years, he has led efforts for Stolen Generations rights, Aboriginal child protection, mental health, and culturally safe services. He chairs the WA Stolen Generations Aboriginal Corporation and co-founded Reconciliation WA. Dr Morrison received the John Curtin Medal and contributed to the award-winning virtual preservation of Aboriginal Missions. He continues his legacy of cultural leadership by hosting Moorditj Mag on RTR FM92.1.
Dr Millie Penny AM
Honorary Doctor of the University
Dr Millie Penny AM
Honorary Doctor of the University
Dr Millie Penny AM is a proud Noongar Elder whose leadership is rooted in Noongar tradition and cultural governance. With over five decades of service, she has guided Aboriginal communities through intergenerational knowledge sharing, women’s leadership, and culturally safe practices. Her work spans education, health, and research, always centring Noongar values. A Moorditj Wirrin Yok—Strong Spirit Woman—she continues to shape cultural futures with wisdom and strength.