Daryle Rigney

Professor Daryle Rigney is a Ngarrindjeri scholar and academic leader at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), where he serves as Professor and Director of the Indigenous Nations and Collaborative Futures Research hub within the Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research. His academic career includes former roles as Dean of Indigenous Strategy and Engagement at Flinders University and directorships in Indigenous governance initiatives such as the Ngarrindjeri Ruwe Empowered Communities. Rigney's work focuses on Indigenous Nation Building, self-determination, and environmental stewardship, intertwining cultural heritage, treaty processes, and postcolonial governance.

Education:

• Master of Education (Curriculum Leadership), University of South Australia (1995-1997)
• Bachelor of Education (Secondary Physical Education & Aboriginal/Australian Studies), South Australian College of Advanced Education (1985-1988)
• Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Governance, University of Arizona (2013)

Research Interests:

Rigney's research explores Indigenous sovereignty, repatriation of ancestral remains, environmental management frameworks aligned with Indigenous ontologies (e.g., Ngarrindjeri Yarluwar-Ruwe), and decolonizing methodologies. His work emphasizes holistic approaches to truth-telling, treaty readiness, and Indigenous-led governance models. Recent projects include analyzing DNA data's role in repatriation, the political determinants of Indigenous health, and Indigenous hybrid authorities.

Grants & Leadership:

• Lead researcher on ARC-funded projects like 'Restoring Dignity: Networked Knowledge for Repatriation Communities' and 'Indigenous Nation (Re)Building, health and wellbeing'
• Board member of organizations including the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute and the Ngarrindjeri Ruwe Empowered Communities
• Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity

Awards:

• Australian Riverprize (2015)

Labs/Teams:

Rigney directs the Indigenous Nations and Collaborative Futures Research hub, collaborating with institutions like the Native Nations Institute (University of Arizona) and Jawun Indigenous Corporate Partnerships. His work bridges academic research with community-driven initiatives on land/water management, treaty negotiations, and cultural revival.