Final+Question

To what extent should Indigenous studies be included in the curriculum of Australian primary schools? //We, representing the Aborigines of Australia…on the 150th Anniversary of the whitemen’s seizure of our country, hereby make protest against the callous treatment of our people…and we appeal to the Australian nation of today…for full citizen status and equality within the community. // //Jack Patten reads the resolution at the Day of Mourning Conference on 26 January 1938 //

**The inclusion of various forms of Indigenous studies, whether they be language, culture or history based, is something that has for decades now been included in many school curriculums whole heartedly. Very few would argue its place and value in the learning of today's students. However the extent to which it is included is something that comes under constant scrutiny and review. ** **It is argued by many Indigenous people and their communities, particulrly in areas of high Indigenous population such as the Northern Territory, that time spent learning languages, culture and history on both a local and national scale, should be greatly increased to better reflect their local communities and our nations heritage. Some also fear that if a greater emphasis is not placed upon Indigenous studies in our schools, that more tribes along with their history, culture and language are at a greater risk of vanishing. ** ** With very few steps forwards ever made in this area, we have chosen to investigate to what extent Indigenous studies should be included in the curriculum of Australian Primary Schools. We are going to look specifically at the aspects of language, culture and history as well as gain a sense of what sort of an impact including Indigenous studies to a greater extent throughout the curriculum on a national scale may have. ** 