The term “Indigenous” refers to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia. Supporting teachers to include Indigenous perspectives in schools has been identified nationally as a key component to ensuring improved outcomes for Indigenous peoples in Australia.  It is vital to include Indigenous perspectives within school practices in order to develop a greater understanding of the histories, cultures, values, beliefs, languages, lifestyles and roles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. A better understanding of, and respect for, Indigenous cultures develops an enriched appreciation of Australia’s cultural heritage. 

References:

• Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Schools (EATSIPS).

http://education.qld.gov.au/schools/indigenous/docs/indig-persp.pdf (retrieved May 5, 2009)

The University of Sydney Reconciliation Statement
The University of Sydney is committed to creating an environment in which the rich and diverse cultures of Indigenous Australians are known, promoted and celebrated.  The University of Sydney Reconciliation Statement is provided on this page.  (retrieved May 4, 2009)

Primary Connections Indigenous Perspective Framework
Developed by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Primary Connections is an innovative and exciting approach to teaching and learning which links the teaching of science with the teaching of literacy in Australian primary schools. The Indigenous perspective framework is underpinned by six key concept areas which includes: a teaching and learning guide; curriculum unit links to relevant Indigenous perspectives; and a professional learning module to support teachers’ development and implementation of relevant, contextualised and embedded Indigenous perspectives.  (retrieved May 4, 2009)

Indigenous Perspectives across The Curriculum: A Resource Guide
This website provides links to a number of resources that have been developed in different states across Australia and includes curriculum and classroom activities and resource lists. (retrieved May 5, 2009)

A Shared History
Developed by the NSW DET, this website is designed to support the teaching of Aboriginal perspectives in the NSW Human Society and Its Environment K-6 syllabus. It includes a rationale for teaching Aboriginal perspectives, a set of protocols and guidelines, teaching ideas, a list of resources and links to related sites. (retrieved May 4, 2009)

Aboriginal Perspectives through Integrated Units
This website has been developed by the NSW Board of Studies.  These integrated units of work have been developed to highlight the potential for innovative teaching practices using the primary curriculum. The Aboriginal perspective units demonstrate examples of a holistic approach to teaching, which underpins the development of integrated curriculum. Teachers are strongly encouraged to engage with parents and community while planning and teaching units of work that have an Aboriginal perspective. (retrieved May 4, 2009)

Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Perspectives in Schools (EATSIPS)
The ESTSIPS document provides a practical guide for administrators and educators to ensure inclusive school practices and “is about celebrating Indigenous ways of viewing the world: people, places and things and their interrelationships”.  Developed by the Queensland Government, the website also includes a section featuring case studies of schools that have successfully embedded an indigenous perspective in their teaching and learning programmes. (retrieved May 4, 2009)

Queensland Study Authority (QSA) >  Indigenous Perspectives
This website developed by the Queensland Government provides information on the QSA strategies, resources, projects and initiatives that focus on increasing awareness of Indigenous perspectives and improving outcomes for Indigenous students in Queensland state schools.  The site provides links to policy documents, resources and research on the topic. (retrieved May 4, 2009)

Strategic Directions for Science and Mathematics in South Australian Schools
This website, developed by the Government of South Australia, Department of Education and Children’s Services, provides a series of links to resources concerned with an indigenous perspective such as an Indigenous map of Australia and the Australian Government Indigenous portal. (retrieved May 5, 2009)

Manitoba > Education > Citizenship and Youth
This website provides a resource for Curriculum Developers, Teachers, and Administrators and has links to related sites on Aboriginal Education and Aboriginal Perspectives developed in a Canadian context. (retrieved May 5, 2009)

Theoretical Perspectives

QSA > Indigenous perspectives research
This page provides links to a number of international research articles examining issues related to schooling experiences of Indigenous students. (retrieved May 4, 2009)

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