Abstract
Until the latter stages of the 20th century Aboriginal people were effectively denied access to Australian university education. Focusing on an institute of higher education, this chapter describes the initial steps that provided preparation to provide a pathway to higher education for Aboriginal people. Notwithstanding the impediments of cultural diversity and the alienation of Aboriginal people due to the long history of oppression that followed colonization, an Aboriginal Bridging Course emerged that provided for the social, cultural and educational needs of Aboriginal people. Though the course provided greater access to employment, entry into and graduation from university programs remained extremely low. What became evident was the need for educational and support processes that embodies culturally safe processes of teaching and learning more aligned to the social, cultural and educational needs of Aboriginal students.