Where+to+now?

__Where to now __ //"Education is the greatest single weapon to overcome disadvantage and the impact of this denial of education affects me and other Indigenous people to this day." ////- //// Yvonne Butler, Aboriginal woman //



__What action will we take and what do we recommend should be done? __ > o Incorporate language and the history of indigenous language into learning programs > o Offer students a variety of view-points on Australian history and culture and encourage them to determine what they believe is true. > o Encourage questioning and seeking of the truth in our students > o Encourage a classroom culture and personal values of acceptance, understanding sensitivity, respect and tolerance in our students and workplaces > o Encourage difference, passion and action in our students > o Compulsory indigenous language unit in schools with a high indigenous population as determined by state governments
 * __//**Classroom:**//__
 * o Aim to always include accurate and effective Indigenous education to a greater degree in all curriculum areas, as well as encouraging our colleagues to do so.

> o Push for all schools to eventually have an Indigenous language unit which is taken by all students throughout their schooling. New Zealand examples have shown the earlier students begin language lessons, they better they comprehend and take on the language. > o Encourage the setting up of more programs to train more Indigenous teachers, so as students of Indigenous and non-indigenous decent may be assured of a broader perspective, as well as someone who is culturally and historically aware. This would also allow for non-indigenous students to connect with the indigenous population, gaining a greater understanding and further breaking down barriers. "If Aboriginal teachers could work in every school, a student would be able to relate to Indigenous people as part of the current community, not a 'problem' in the media," arts student Alanna Kirby
 * __//**Education system state-wide and national scale:**//__
 * To teach Maori language you have to be full Maori so that the government can be assured teachers are fully aware of cultural barriers and issues, as well as of a high knowledge level.