Empowering Reconciliation in the Classroom By Maddi, Alex & Kyle

Knowledge is Power Knowledge opens up many pathways towards reconciliation, such as: Political Development Social Justice Equality power

Discussion What is your personal view on reconciliation? Reflect on what has been co-constructed this semester about reconciliation.

Reconciliation Reconciliation can hold different meaning to everyone Reconciliation is about the unity and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians It’s about moving forward and closing the gap between both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians

Reconciliation cont The oxford online dictionary (2013) states that it is “the restoration of friendly relations.” The term reconciliation means for the invaders to acknowledge what our ancestors have done to the indigenous Australians so that we can all work together to move forward and unite as a community.

Indigenous perspective Reconciliation cannot come down to one thing - it is many things combined together. Part of reconciliation is admitting that we’ve done wrong and acting on it In order to move forward we need to be willing to talk about it

Gumleaf Activity Listen to From little things big things grow by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody Write one to two words on the leaf whilst listening to the song. Then at the end come up and place the leaf in the water and tell the class what you wrote.

Water is Cleansing Water cleanses  Water washes away impurities and pollutants (Abrams, 2000) The use water signifies the cleansing of the past and moving forward.

The Journey so far! We believe the history of Australia is important. Interactive timeline- you could even use this in your own classroom Interactive Timeline

The next step is led by you We as teachers can achieve reconciliation into our classrooms by teaching students to: respect each other’s cultures, reinforcing that there is no time for racism or discrimination in the classroom or school, displaying positive attitudes, a spirit of goodwill and mutual respect and lastly, building relationships so that we can work together to create a better future.

Brian Giles Browne The teacher makes the difference In my classroom, my culture is respected and celebrated We like to learn our culture in the classroom, but not necessarily from the teacher We love having our parents and community actively involved My principal knows my name and where I come from

A New Approach There needs to be change in the classroom that allows indigenous Australians to succeed and learn in the best way possible for them. “develop an education theory and pedagogy that takes into account Aboriginal epistemology. Only when this occurs will education for our people be a process that builds on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and identity” (Cited Tangient LLC, 2013)

8 Ways of Learning New pedagogical approach The approach conatins 8 different approaches to teaching aboriginal children in the best setting for them. Also proven effective for non-indigenous students. Engages children in a cultural specific learning environment.

Solid Partners, Solid Futures Give Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders the support they need to achieve success from early childhood to employment. Consists of: Phases Outcomes planning

Brainstorm the Outcome At each of your tables there is an outcome form the document in your groups could you please brainstorm the main ideas and pints and report back to the class. You have one minute!

Queensland Government. (2013). Solid partners solid futures Queensland Government. (2013). Solid partners solid futures. A partnership approach for excellence in aboriginal and torres strait islander early childhood, education, training and employment from 2013 to 2016. Retrieved on the 28th of August 2013 from http://deta.qld.gov.au/indigenous/pdfs/atsi-solid-partners-solid-futures.pdf

Reconciliation Australia Reconciliation Australia is helping bridge the gap between Indigenous and Non- Indigenous Australians in schools and in the workforce. “identified schools as one of the key settings to enhance and develop positive relationships in the community." (Reconciliation Australia, 2010)

Campaigns & Competitions Help Raise Awareness. One provided by the New South Wales Reconciliation Council is aimed at upper and lower primary is called the 'Schools Reconciliation Challenge' which encourages students to do an art project based around reconciliation.

Professional Standards Assist you! The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers has implemented two standards target at teaching Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders. These being 1.4  Strategies for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of the impact of culture, cultural identity and linguistic background on the education of students from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds. (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, 2012) 2.4  Understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians Demonstrate broad knowledge of, understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and languages. (Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership, 2012)

Activity Time! The classroom is set up to resemble a class that is learning about Reconciliation.

Resources Make use of 8 ways the sociocultural tools available to you! For example: We could use the nonverbal strand and use art to demonstrate our understanding of Reconciliation.

Resources Cont. The 8 ways pedagogical approach Interactive timeline from Reconciliation South Australia (2013) that we made use of earlier Our Pride - gives the students a glimpse of how Indigenous Australians experience of Australia.

Don’t forget! Make use of your on campus Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offices. The teacher is the most valuable resource in the classroom. Your pedagogy, beliefs and ethics impact the way you interpret a curriculum, activity or a program.

Organisations that support reconciliation Reconciliation Queensland http://www.rqi.org.au/ Recognise http://www.recognise.org.au/

QuizTime Which 2 overseas countries legally acknowledged the Indigenous occupation of their lands prior to European invasion? In what year was the well publicised bridge walks for Reconcilation? Was it (a) 2000 (b) 2004 What organisation was established in 2000 to continue the work for the Council of Aboriginal Reconciliation? When was the Australian Reconcilation Convention held? Was it? (a) 1985 or (b) 1997 When was the first reconciliation week held? What did the Australian Government recommend as the start of the reconciliation movement? In what ways could using a guest speaker from an aboriginal background in the classroom help children learn about reconciliation? Why is it important that we learn about reconciliation? What are your views on the topic as a whole? Can you think of any other teaching strategies that could be used?

Conclusion Knowledge on what reconciliation is and how we can encourage students both indigenous and non-indigenous has been broadened. As teachers, we need to remember that every child is different and there is no one way that will motivate every student. Make the most of all these great resources which are available to us.

Thanks for listening! Concluding song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgfcnX6YKbg