Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Working With Aboriginal Communities
Working With Aboriginal Communities
Aboriginal
Communities
Revised edition 2008
A Guide to Community
Consultation and Protocols
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
Revised edition 2008
A Guide to
Community Consultation
and Protocols
Foreword
Consultation with Aboriginal communities is essential in the
development of meaningful Aboriginal perspectives and studies
across the curriculum. The involvement of Aboriginal people in
the development and implementation of learning programs
allows a genuine exploration of Aboriginal history, languages,
culture and contemporary issues. Building a relationship
between schools and their local Aboriginal community will
enhance the learning experience of students, and promote
Reconciliation through better understanding.
This document was developed to support teachers in their
implementation of the Aboriginal perspectives included across
the curriculum, and was written in consultation with
communities, Aboriginal Education Workers, consultants and
teachers. Many teachers have expressed a need for some
clear guidelines to begin the process of consulting with local
Aboriginal communities to allow them to include Aboriginal
people in their teaching. Working with Aboriginal Communities
provides advice on how to start this process and encourage a
relationship with the local Aboriginal community.
Observing appropriate protocols when working with Aboriginal
people and their communities is critical to establishing
positive and respectful relationships. Consulting with
Aboriginal communities should always be seen as a two-way
process, with both parties learning together and from each
other.
Providing Aboriginal people with the opportunity to become
involved in school programs gives authenticity to local
Aboriginal perspectives. Students, schools and communities all
benefit from encouraging Aboriginal people to share their
knowledge and life stories.
Ms Cindi Berwick
Dr John Bennett
President
NSW Aboriginal Education
Consultative Group Inc.
General Manager
Office of the
Board of Studies NSW
Acknowledgements
Project Manager: Angela Byron
Thank you to members of the AECGs throughout NSW who
guided and supported the development of this resource. The
following people generously shared their experience and insight:
Margaret Simoes, Kim Hill, Susan Matthews, Rayelene Saunders,
Christine Foreshew.
Thank you also to the support staff from the NSW Department of
Education and Training and Diocese offices in NSW who provided
valuable feedback during the production of this resource. We
also extend our thanks to the students, staff and community at
Glebe Public School, Sydney, and the Winanggaay Tutoring
Program, for their willing cooperation and participation in this
project. This project was supported by a grant from the
Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and
Workplace Relations. The views expressed by the authors do not
necessarily reflect the views of this Department.
Peta Hill, who took the photographs throughout this book, is
gratefully acknowledged.
A note on terminology
It is important to note that the term Aboriginal is more
appropriate than Aborigine, and should always be used when
referring to Aboriginal people, their history and culture.
It is also acknowledged that Indigenous peoples from the Torres
Strait Islands should be consulted if they are part of the local
community.
Acronyms used in this book:
ACLO
Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer
AEO
Aboriginal Education Officer, previously known as
Aboriginal Education Assistant (AEA)
AECG NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc.
AEW
Aboriginal Education Worker
CEC
Catholic Education Commission
DET
NSW Department of Education and Training
DOCS Department of Community Services
FATSIL Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation of
Languages
HSIE
Human Society and its Environment
TAFE
Technical and Further Education
Table of Contents
Part 1 Introduction
1.1
Rationale
10
10
12
13
14
14
15
18
20
3.2.1 Planning
20
3.2.2 Venue
21
3.2.3 Transport
22
22
3.4
22
Other considerations
3.6
23
24
24
24
Undertaking research
25
26
26
27
Glossary
29
Part 1
Introduction
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
1.1 Rationale
To enable teachers and schools to establish a learning partnership with
Aboriginal communities, it is vital to be aware of the protocols of
community consultation. Aboriginal people are the owners and custodians of
their knowledge and culture. They have the right to be consulted when
aspects of Aboriginal history and culture are being incorporated into the
school curriculum.
Building learning partnerships is a mutually beneficial process that gives
credibility and integrity to the teaching of Aboriginal students and syllabus
content related to Aboriginal issues. Working together on meaningful
projects builds confidence and capacity in Aboriginal parents and other
members of the local Aboriginal community. This book is designed to assist
in building these relationships within the context of a teaching and learning
environment, by giving teachers advice on making Aboriginal people feel
welcome and valued in their local school.
The inclusion of Aboriginal content across the curriculum has led many
educators to recognise the value of including Aboriginal people in their
planning and teaching. However, some have been unsure of the most
appropriate way to approach Aboriginal community members. This book
provides advice to schools, educators and students about the protocols for
community consultation. In outlining appropriate steps it will help build
learning partnerships between schools, teachers and Aboriginal
communities.
As custodians of their cultures and languages, Aboriginal people alone
possess the necessary knowledge, skills and experiences to give
authenticity to Aboriginal studies and perspectives in schools. Where
applicable, they should be approached to provide this expertise.
The key to
consultation is
establishing respectful
and mutual
relationships.
Stage 6 Aboriginal
Studies Syllabus, p 21.
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
It should also be borne in mind that there are sensitive Aboriginal cultural
and spiritual issues and beliefs which are equally important in this context.
For example, when discussing the Dreaming and Creation it is appropriate
that educators consult with Aboriginal communities and invite them to be
part of programming and lesson development. Dreaming and Creation
stories belong to Aboriginal communities and it is important that their
custodianship be acknowledged. Aspects of Aboriginal spirituality need to
be dealt with in the same sensitive manner as all contemporary religions,
not presented as myths and stories.
Different realms of information exist. One of these realms is public and
accessible. The other is definitely secret and reserved for private discussion
between privileged people within the community. While information and
pictures may be available on such topics, it is vital that local Aboriginal
people be consulted and approval given before using resources such as
these.
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
across all areas of the curriculum. They could also make regular contact
with departmental or diocesan Aboriginal Education Workers. The network
might, for example, consist of executive staff, teachers and the Aboriginal
Education Officer (AEO) if there is one allocated to the school.
However, it should be remembered that while a coordinating group could
start the process of consultation and building relationships with the local
Aboriginal community, all teachers and school executive have a
responsibility to work with Aboriginal people in developing appropriate
curriculum and teaching Aboriginal students.
Part 2
Consulting with
Aboriginal Communities
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
considering protocols
making contact
Educational authorities acknowledge the NSW AECG Inc. as the peak Aboriginal
advisory body in regard to Aboriginal education issues. As a community-based
organisation, the NSW local and regional AECGs are able to provide advice and
guidance for educators about the delivery of curriculum in government and nongovernment schools. While not all schools have access to a local AECG, the AECG
Secretariat is able to provide details of the nearest Group. They can be contacted
by phoning (02) 9550 5666, faxing (02) 9550 3361 or checking their website at
www.nswaecg.com.au
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
Consultation is getting
out and talking to
people about issues
and how to solve them
not just one person,
but lots of people.
Metropolitan North
Regional AECG
Meeting, July 2000.
10
Be patient when asking questions. Look, listen and learn, as it may take
time for some community people to become involved. Some people may
work towards giving their opinions by initially talking about other issues or
stories.
Some Aboriginal people might not openly express an opinion. They may
choose to talk indirectly about an issue if they do not agree with the
previous speaker. Not all Aboriginal people will share the same opinions and
feelings. All opinions should be acknowledged and valued.
Remember that different families may have different values and cultural
beliefs, even if they are from the same community.
The use of silence should not be misunderstood. It may mean that people
do not want to express an opinion at that point in time, or that they are
listening and reflecting about what has been said. It is important that this
silence is respected and not interrupted unnecessarily. Silence is not a
chance to take a break or leave the room, but rather an opportunity to
contemplate what is being spoken about.
Use language that respects the integrity and beliefs of the person or group
with whom you are meeting. Avoid jargon and do not use acronyms.
11
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
Deaths affect not just one family but a whole community. Refer to systemic
Aboriginal support personnel as to the local protocols regarding speaking
the name of a person who has passed away, and showing their photograph.
Remember that different families have different values and cultural beliefs,
even if they are from the same community.
12
There is a wide variety of other community-based groups that educators could also
become involved with, including Aboriginal community organisations that may have
interest groups who hold open meetings. Groups range in focus from community to
community, so spend some time talking to your systemic support staff to find the
most appropriate group with whom you could become involved. Community events
and celebrations are also a positive forum in which to make and build contact with
the local community.
Other local community organisations also hold regular meetings; however, you
should seek permission to attend, clearly indicating your reason for doing so. These
organisations include Aboriginal Land Councils, Aboriginal medical and legal
centres and Aboriginal workers network meetings.
Local AECG meetings are held on a regular basis. People who work in the area of
education and other interested parents and community people meet to discuss
important educational issues impacting on Aboriginal students. As a consultative
group, a local AECG can provide advice on a wide range of educational issues,
including appropriate activities, guests for a class and assistance in many areas of
the curriculum. More importantly, it is an opportunity to get to know local
Aboriginal people. Attending regularly will assist in a sharing of knowledge that will
be beneficial for both the school and the local community.
13
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
14
program management
For more information about teaching Aboriginal languages, see advice in the
Years K10 Aboriginal Languages Syllabus and the K10 Aboriginal
Languages Advice on Programming and Assessment.
15
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
16
Part 3
Working with Aboriginal
People and Communities
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
Teachers are
encouraged to take
time to attend AECG
meetings, to get to
know the community
and parents.
Metropolitan North
Regional AECG
Meeting, July 2000.
18
Elders
Parents
Aboriginal Corporations
19
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
3.2.1 Planning
Initiate discussions with Aboriginal workers about the area of content you are
teaching and what you would like your students to learn conceptually and
practically by spending time with an Aboriginal person. These officers can assist in
finding the most appropriate person to work with you. These staff can then make
initial contact with the person and talk to them about what your class is doing and
tell them to expect a call from you. Your local AECG may also be able to assist you
to identify an appropriate guest speaker/artist.
20
If the school has an AEO or AEW ensure they are kept informed of your
consultations and are invited to be involved. As community members themselves
they can make guests feel more comfortable. Invite the AEO to staff meetings to
discuss issues in the school related to the inclusion of Aboriginal perspectives, and
outline to them what will be taught each term. This sharing of information will be
beneficial for both teachers and the Aboriginal worker.
Wherever possible make personal contact with people writing letters can be too
formal and in many cases will not be effective. Talk to the person about the
students and what they have been learning about. Consider a personal visit to the
person with an Aboriginal liaison person. Ask them if they would be interested in
spending some time with the class.
3.2.2 Venue
Before the lesson spend some time with the guest. For example, offer them
refreshments, and give them a brief tour of the school. If the school has an AEO or
AEW invite them to meet the speaker and be part of the lesson. Introduce the
speaker to the Principal and other members of staff. This will make the guest feel
welcome and it will help familiarise them with the school and its staff.
An informal setting is often more comfortable for people who are unfamiliar with
speaking to large groups of students. If possible, move the desks to the side of the
room and arrange the chairs in a circle. This type of arrangement assists in
facilitating discussion. Ask the speaker if they would like the students to ask
questions throughout their talk, or wait until the end. For some people who are
nervous it is easier to respond to questions, rather than try to recall all the things
they need to speak about.
Follow-up contact may be required to arrange a time and place for the lesson. This
may be at the school or at another place in the community. If appropriate, discuss
payment of the person, recognising that their time is valuable and their expertise
warrants payment.
21
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
Venues other than the classroom should also be considered. The school library
might be a quiet and comfortable place for such a lesson, or perhaps there is an
outdoors area that is appropriate. Many people may be softly spoken, so it is
important that the area chosen is quiet and is one where the class will not be
disturbed. Ensure all of the students are sitting close enough to the speaker to be
able to hear what is being said. Consider taking the students to a venue outside
the school where Aboriginal people might feel more comfortable. Many Aboriginal
people have had very poor experiences with the education system and may be
reluctant to come to the school, and this should be taken into consideration.
3.2.3 Transport
Make sure the speaker has transport to get to the school and home again. You
may need to assist them in arranging appropriate transport, and this may involve
meeting the cost of transport.
Some people may feel better in a group. Consider using a seminar approach
involving several speakers, or invite the speaker to bring a friend or family member
with them as support.
22
23
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
Discuss the age group of your students with the speaker. This may impact
on the way their story is told. Many Aboriginal people suffered traumatic
experiences that may not be suitable for younger students to hear.
Ask the speaker if there are topics they do not wish to discuss. Perhaps a
list of questions could be negotiated to ensure that everyone involved feels
comfortable.
Invite the speaker to bring a family member or friend with them as support.
This may make it easier for them to speak to a group of students. Often it
is best to have several speakers in a panel or seminar approach.
Make it clear to the speaker that if at some stage they find themself unable
to continue they can end the session. Even people who regularly speak to
school groups about their experiences still find it difficult to relive them
publicly.
24
Identify a wide range of quality resources that can be used to prepare them
for what they are about to hear. This will reinforce the need for students to
be sensitive when listening to the speaker.
Spend time debriefing students after the lesson. Students of all ages will
find this a difficult topic to deal with, and may have more questions or
issues they would like to discuss.
Be aware that some students, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, may have
been removed from their family for a variety of reasons. Teachers should
consider the background of these students when teaching about the Stolen
Generations.
25
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
26
When writing up someones story, always ask the speaker how they want
their story written and give the person time to review the draft before the
next visit. Some people may wish to talk through the document rather than
read it in isolation.
There should be a minimum of two visits to the interviewee the first one
to note the information, and the second to have it verified as being
accurately recorded. In some cases further visits will be required.
Negotiate how the speaker wants the story edited: for example, do they
want the notes to be left as spoken, or written with standard spelling and
grammar? Who will do the editing the speaker, the interviewer, or both
together? The person being interviewed has the right to ask that material
be deleted.
Make the purpose of any interview very clear so the interviewee knows how
their material will be used.
27
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
28
The venue and dates should be negotiated with the person being
interviewed.
The interviewer must clearly state before any work commences when the
information will be used and in what context.
The interviewee should know the contents of the questions before the
interview takes place.
Having negotiated the list of questions beforehand, be flexible and allow the
person to talk on new topics if they so desire during the interview.
Offer the opportunity for the person to read, view or listen to the material
when it is completed and to recommend any necessary changes.
Glossary
Aboriginal or
Torres Strait Islander
community
consultation
Dreaming
Elders
intellectual property
29
Working with
Aboriginal
Communities
30
native title
protocols
Reconciliation
self-determination
social justice
Stolen Generations