Teaching Aboriginal Studies

It was the last wish of the poet and educator Oodgeroo of the Tribe Noonuccal (formerly known as Kath Walker) for all Australian students to be taught Aboriginal Studies and learn the truth about this country. She instigated the project ‘Teaching the Teachers’ to promote Aboriginal Studies in schools, and this book is a major component of this project. Teaching Aboriginal Studies is a resource for teacher education and a practical guide for both new and experienced teachers in primary and secondary schools. Chapters on Aboriginal history and culture, stereotypes and racism, government policies and reconciliation provide essential background knowledge. There are also strategies and resources for teaching Aboriginal Studies in different contexts, and understanding Aboriginal learning styles. Teaching Aboriginal Studies uses a wide range of primary teaching sources including poetry, oral histories, newspaper articles and government publications. The text is illustrated with photographs, paintings, prints and cartoons. This book is the product of consultation and collaboration across Australia. Respected contributors, Indigenous and other Australians, include Nina Burridge, Pat Cavanagh, Dr Rhonda Craven, Mark d’Arbon, Alan Duncan, Dr Stephen Greymorning, Dr Christine Halse, Uncle Charles Moran, Uncle Norm Newlin, Nigel Parbury, Robert Rigney, Aunty Mavis Robinson, Bev Smith, and James Wilson-Miller. The project ‘Teaching the Teachers: Indigenous Australian Studies’ was funded by the Commonwealth as a Project of National Significance and endorsed by the National Federation of Aboriginal Education Consultative Groups.