University of Wisconsin–Madison

Australia: Anastasiya Kurova (“I’ve Never Thought About That Before” Moment)

From the very first day of orientation at the University of Sydney, I was introduced to “Acknowledgement of Country”, a tradition that recognizes the traditional custodians of the Australian land. For example, these statements are typically written or stated as follows: “We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the country on which the University of Sydney campuses stand and our responsibility to respect and care for country, people, and spirit.” The orientation welcomed us with an Aboriginal dance, where members dressed in traditional clothing and played traditional instruments, exposing us to sounds that were entirely new to most students studying abroad. Throughout my semester, I became increasingly aware of how integrated the acknowledgement of the Aboriginal communities is within Australian higher education.

A photo of a billboard on the street showing a colorful background with aboriginal artwork and a black circle in the middle that reads "You are on Gadigal Country" in white font.
“You are on Gadigal Country” as seen throughout the Central Business District of Sydney, Australia.

Throughout my experience in Architecture Studio 2B, a course centered on designing accommodation in the Australian Outback, our required readings consistently focused on Aboriginal culture, history, and way of life. Many of these readings focus on historical differences in beliefs between Aboriginal tribes and European settlers. These differences still resonate today, as seen in attitudes toward native Australian animals, the present threat of fires, and the Outback itself.

Studying Aboriginal perspectives helps us recognize recurring patterns in beliefs and practices. For instance, Aboriginal people often look to the Southern Sky, reading the constellations, Emu in the Sky, for guidance on food harvesting. The Emu’s position changes with seasons, providing guidance to times of food scarcity or abundance. Additionally, Aboriginal culture views bushfires as a form of land management, regenerating vegetation and reducing the risk of severe fires.

These practices and perspectives challenged many of my assumptions and inspired me to learn more about the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s land, Teejop (Ho-Chunk Nation), and to compare the experiences and traditions of Indigenous peoples across continents.

A headshot of Anastasiya, a female student. She is wearing a white, lace long sleeved top and smiles at the camera from a side angle. She has long, straight blonde hair and bangs. She is standing on a red bridge with her hands resting on the railing in front of a green, natural background that is blurred

Anastasiya Kurova

Hometown: Deforest, Wisconsin

Major: Interior Architecture

Program: University of Sydney Exchange

I chose University of Sydney because it offered a chance to explore art history through Sydney’s renowned museums, in addition to having a unique blend of art courses. I’m looking forward to exploring Sydney’s natural beauty and architecture, from Bondi beach to the Sydney Opera House.