Massey University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Mason Durie will give an address focusing on indigenous development at the opening of the University of Melbourne's new institute of indigenous development tomorrow.

Professor Durie will deliver the inaugural Narrm (aboriginal for Melbourne) oration, one of two indigenous orations that will be presented annually. Professor Ian Anderson, one of Australia's leading indigenous health experts, says the oration aims to attract speakers of global renown who can discuss the contribution of indigenous culture to the global economy.

Murrup Barak - the Spirit of Barak, is the name of the new Melbourne Institute for Indigenous Development headed by Professor Anderson, who is also the director of the Onemda VicHealth Koori Health Unit at the university and has a professional background in medicine and social sciences working in the area of Aboriginal Health for 23 years. He is a descendent of the Palawa Trowerna from the Pyemairrenner mob in Tasmania.

"Professor Durie has an international reputation for his leadership in Mori health and academic development, whose intellectual work speaks to the vision of the Murrup Barak," says Professor Anderson. "He was an obvious choice to be invited to deliver the inaugural Narrm oration."

The Murrup Barak is a new initiative for the University of Melbourne. It is named after William Barak (1824-03) a member of the Wurundjeri clan of the Woiworung people in the area now known as Croydon. He became a leading spokesman for his people and a prominent figure in the struggle for indigenous rights and justice as well as being held in high regard as an artist.

"The institute will provide a focal point for our work in indigenous studies, coordinating our academic programmes and strengthening our partnerships with indigenous Australian communities," Professor Anderson says.

Massey and Melbourne Universities have several informal relationships in the areas of indigenous studies and in indigenous health. "Through events such as this we hope to strengthen relationships between our two institutions," he says. "There is much we can learn from either in the spirit of intellectual reciprocity."

Others travelling to the opening of the institute representing Massey include Professor Arohia Durie, who will perform a karanga during the welcome, Professor Chris Cunningham and former Vice-Chancellor Professor Judith Kinnear.