INDIGENOUS NEWS
AEU Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy [2002] - Preamble:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Nations peoples of Australia, and as such, have a distinct and inalienable set of rights. The right to education is one of these.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are living cultures. Despite hundreds of years of systemic oppression, colonisation, and racism. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to maintain a connection to their lands and surrounding waters.
The AEU recognises that as a consequence of the process of colonisation, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have come from a range of diverse circumstances, and have a range of knowledges and experiences in relation to their cultural backgrounds. Further, the AEU acknowledges that the education system has played a crucial role in the oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, through the denial of opportunities, the reinforcement of racial stereotypes, the lowering of expectations and quality, the exclusion of participation, and the reinforcement of cultural and political values which are ultimately alien to the original inhabitants of this land.
The AEU is committed to rectifying this situation, through the implementation of this Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy.
For the full policy and a wide range of other resources go to the AEU Federal website - Indigenous Education: www.aeufederal.org.au/Atsi/index2.html#POL
Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country:
For all AEU meetings
The AEU - ACT Branch commences all meetings with the following Welcome and Acknowledgement of Country:
We respectfully acknowledge the Ngunnawal people who are the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land on which this meeting takes place.
All Sub-Branch Executive members are encouraged to use similar words at the commencement of Sub-Branch meetings.
The AEU Supports Dare to Lead
Dare to Lead schools make a commitment to improving the educational outcomes for Indigenous students and to ensuring that their communities, including students, staff and parents develop an informed understanding of Australia's Indigenous people and their cultures, and of the importance of the Reconciliation process.
Contact Dennis Flannery on telephone 0408 065 288 or email flanvase@iimetro.com.au for further details.
AEU - ACT Branch Reconciliation Awards 2009
Congratulations to the recipient of the 2009 Reconciliation Award: Annamaria Zuffo, Majura Primary School.
Nominations for the 2010 Reconcliation Awards will open in Term 1, 2010
Useful Links:
- Reconciliation Australia www.reconciliation.org.au
Including Reconciliation Week May 27-June 3, and Reconciliation Action Plan Information
- NAIDOC Week, 4-11 July 2010 www.naidoc.org.au/
- National Sorry Day, 26 May www.nsdc.org.au
Includes Australian Schools National Sorry Day 26 May, Journey of Healing, Bringing Them Home Report
