Embedding Aboriginal Elders ’ perspectives in primary education to strengthen our understanding of culture and identity
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The problem
Learning from Aboriginal Elders as the senior knowledge holders and custodians of Aboriginal culture can enhance education and improve young people ’ s understanding of Australia ’ s history , land and culture .
However , there is a critical gap in educational research on Aboriginal knowledges and perspectives . Additionally , as each Elder dies , their cultural knowledge and insights are lost to history .
Our solution
Recording the oral histories of Aboriginal Elders documents their experiences for future generations and provides access to Aboriginal voices and perspectives in education , says Associate Professor Fabri Blacklock , a Nucoorilma and Biripi woman from UNSW ’ s School of Art & Design .
Fabri Blacklock is an artist , curator and historian who works with Aboriginal communities to improve their educational equity and wellbeing . Her research privileges Aboriginal epistemologies and ontologies .
In her recent project , Keeping Culture : Utilising Koori Elders wisdom and knowledge in education , she worked with 10 NSW Aboriginal Elders – five women and five men – on a short video series for primary education documenting their lives . The Elders have a breadth of knowledge across diverse sectors , including child protection , Aboriginal self-determination and environmental activism , academia and the arts .
The project drew on local Koori oral tradition , using Aboriginal research methodologies , such as yarning and deep listening central to Aboriginal connection to country and culture . Historical and contemporary records , such as maps , photographs , artworks and commentary , provide social context . The materials are being used in NSW school and Aboriginal community education .
The oral histories will help embed Aboriginal knowledges within primary education and strengthen Aboriginal students ’ identity and wellbeing as well as the understanding of culture and the educational outcomes of all students .
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