Module 14

OHT 12

Best practice principles

Source: Linda Craig, Julie Swartz, Linc Walker (1997) Guidelines for Including Aboriginality in Environmental Education, Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage, Cairns.

1. Speaking for country

many different peoples / diversity of cultures

certain peoples affiliated with certain country

only some people can `speak for country'/have the right to provide information

2. Invisibility - making local links

Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures are alive

Indigenous peoples are part of your community

opportunities for positive personal interaction

3. What is real? Defining Indigenous

Indigenous cultures are diverse

being Indigenous is not about appearances but spirituality

defined as one who identifies as and is accepted as ...

education should challenge stereotypes

4. Owning information - showing respect

Indigenous cultural information has copyright

cultural information carries responsibilities for both giver and keeper

respect Aboriginal ownership and control of information

5. Your role as educator will be different

challenge assumptions / look for alternative perspectives

Indigenous people are the experts / educators become the facilitators

need for trust and mutual respect