In the past I have had little experience of teaching Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students as the area in which I have taught and lived for the past 20 years has very few Aboriginal families.  I am aware of the Catholic Education of Western Australia's Policy toward Aboriginal Education and that the aim is for all Catholic schools within Western Australia to become "Culturally Competent."   

 

Please click on this link to read more : 

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The school I am currently teaching at, Our Lady of the Cape, is currently developing a whole school Scope and Sequence to incorporate culturally relevant activities through collaboration with Josh Whiteland, who is a Wardandi Custodian of the local region.  Wardandi means “forest people by the sea.”

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On a recent excursion with my Year 5 class I learnt so much from Josh about the Aboriginal culture and the Wardandi connection to the land.  He calls the land "country".  Aboriginal people see “country” as being like a mother.  It gives to them what they need and protects them.  Respect of country is the backbone of Noongar people. Josh learned all of his knowledge from Aboriginal elders in our region. 

 

Through our school's Scope and Sequence we are hoping to encourage the childern to make a “connection to country” where they can become “cultural custodians” thus developing their own identity and sense of belonging to the place in which they live.  Our scope and sequence will endeavour to promote the celebration of difference alongside inclusivity, cultural sensitivity and tolerance amongst all. Reading indigenous literature, promoting their Art, appreciating their knowledge and accepting their values all contribute to successful education.  The Scope and Sequence will include integration between Learning Areas.  For example the uses of local flora for bush medicine can be explored and discussion of the Aboriginal traditional seasons along side the western terms, cooking, dancing and music.

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