Yaama. I'm Nikki, a proud Gomeroi woman and social researcher
My passion is the advancement of Indigenous peoples, Indigenous knowledges and Indigenous solutions.
About me
I am a builder, mobilising capabilities, programs and partnerships that further First Nation People’s equity at a system level. As a proud Gomeroi woman, I am a trusted conduit between communities, academia, industry and government, progressing from award-winning Indigenous Sociology research to take on a succession of first-of-their-kind leadership roles.
This includes laying infrastructure for Indigenous leadership training and research initiatives, feats that require intensive collaboration and tenacity in building global alliances, and robust organisational structures for delivery. I am exceptionally proud of my role in setting a new standard of excellence within universities and providing life-changing learning opportunities.
What motivates me is a longstanding drive for equity, truth-telling and justice. Known for integrity and authenticity, I bring curiosity and an entrepreneurial mindset to stand up capabilities and collaborations that bring pioneering new educational products to market at the intersection of academia and real-world need.
I deliver evidence-led strategy, projects and partnerships with the credibility to build partnerships that deliver on a shared vision for the future.
Recent Work
Assessing the Evidence in Indigenous Education Research
This co-edited book reports on a series of systematic reviews designed to assess the quality of empirical research in a range of fields relevant to Indigenous education in compulsory schooling.
In particular, the book focuses on exploring deep and enduring questions about the failures of schooling to address the needs of Aboriginal communities. This book provides a systematic analysis of existing research to explain how connection to culture - and the recognition of Indigenous sovereignties and knowledges - are the keys to Aboriginal excellence in schooling.
Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity
As the Program Director from 2020 to 2024, I led end-to-end program management, including operational structures, development and evaluation of curriculum development frameworks and assessment requirements, professional development and training activities, and cohort engagement and recruitment, supporting the inclusion of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing aligned with organisational expectations.
I developed the bespoke Master of Social Change Leadership to underpin a model of leadership training that amplified practical, evidence-based and community-engaged projects that demonstrate social change in action.
Global Survey on Indigenous Education Rights
Education International is the global union federation of 383 member organizations who speak for the rights of teachers and education workers in 178 countries and territories.
For the 10th World Congress, I conducted a global survey of member unions to collate their work promoting the rights of Indigenous Peoples in education since the 8th World Congress in 2019.
Link to 2024 Quadrennial Survey on Indigenous Peoples and the Right to Education
Publications
The best up-to-date list of my publications is available on my Google Scholar profile, with rarely maintained lists on academia.edu and ResearchGate
Examination
I have examined doctoral theses for Australian and New Zealand universities, with a particular interest in examination for Indigenous PhD candidates.
Work with me
Research & Evaluation
With an established track-record in qualitative Indigenous research, my work is recognised as ethical and impactful by those it serves.
Previous clients for research, evaluation, and strategic planning projects include:
Speaking & Workshops
For public addresses, I prioritize key messages in Indigenous self-determination, sovereignty and lifelong learning. My workshops are known for being authentic, insightful and engaging, prioritizing research translation and access to quality knowledge.
Supervision
I am currently unavailable for supervision, but will be taking on new doctoral students who intend to begin in the 2027 Australian academic year.
I supervise doctoral candidates who are working in the areas of:
- Indigenous policy
- Indigenous resurgence
- First Nations self-determination
Info
Based in Naarm Melbourne
ABN 93 144 599 865
Please use the contact form below for my availability, consulting rates and insurance information
Biography
Who am I?
I was born in Gunnedah, New South Wales, to a Kamilaroi mother - Donna Moodie - and a white father of Scottish descent - Gregory McGuffog. Charles Gilbert Moodie was my great-grandfather - he and his wife Elizabeth 'Tud' Talbott raised their seven children in Gunnedah, where my mother was born. My brother, Ben Moodie, is a comedian, artist and cultural awareness trainer.
I spent my formative years around northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, before our small family settled in Toowoomba. I finished high school in Toowoomba before moving to Brisbane to finish my undergraduate degree at the University of Queensland. I spent close to five years with the Queensland public service before taking up a PhD scholarship in sociology at the Australian Nation University.
Following the conferral of my PhD in 2014, I have held positions in Indigenous studies at RMIT University and The University of Melbourne.
I am grateful to have been raised knowing that I am Gomeroi/Kamilaroi/Gamilaraay, and to have had the opportunity to dedicate my career to Indigenous education and research.