Aboriginal Viewpoints on Education: A Survey in the East Kimberley Region. Research Series No. 5.

Overview & Synopsis

This research-in-dialogue study ascertained the viewpoints of representatives of 31 groups of East Kimberley (Australia) Aboriginal people on education, their priorities as to what issues government should be addressing, and their suggested strategies for achieving a system of education which meets perceived needs of the remote Aboriginal community. Findings indicated that Aboriginal East Kimberley people were acutely aware of the need for children to acquire the same competencies as other children in the mainstream of Australian society. However, they desired a balanced education that would transmit cultural values in addition to new skills and knowledge. The following emerged as priorities in developing more effective education for the region: (1) teach/inform Europeans about Aboriginal people of the region, (2) improve standard Australian English levels and acknowledge and provide for diverse language/cultural backgrounds, (3) provide on-site education, and (4) provide for recreation needs with education for leisure. Specific implementation strategies suggested providing courses for teachers/others intending to work in the region; involving traditional people in such courses; employing/training more Aboriginal teachers; mixing and communicating; establishing town language centers; establishing community centers for post secondary trades, technical, and tertiary education in the region; and providing support for cultural artistic and sporting needs through community centers. Appendices include data on the study sample and the survey instrument. (NEC)