Day 2: Morning Plenary

In 2010, the development of the Australian Curriculum and the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures as a Cross-Curriculum Priority was the answer to many years of advocacy and calls by Indigenous peoples for Indigenous knowledge to be included within the education of our youth. Policy now advocates for promoting reconciliation through the education of all Australian students and youth about our shared history.  In this presentation, we will lead the audience through the historical, social and political milestones that have led to our current position – a recognition of Indigenous knowledge and its need to be included in our classrooms.  We will explore how Indigenous peoples have argued for an education system whereby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples felt their knowledges and values are respected.  We will demonstrate why Ngarrngga, a nation-building project, is working to ensure that all Australian students learn about the contributions and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through a practical and evidence-based approach working with and alongside Indigenous knowledge experts and peoples is necessary. The importance and potential impacts of this project will be shared, and we invite you to join us as we work to effect change in education. 

Associate Provost, Foundation Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies at The University of Melbourne

Kamilaroi woman and the Associate Dean (Indigenous) at the Melbourne Graduate School of Education.