Post Conference Media Release: National conference maps the future for Indigenous education

Media Release

12 September 2018

National conference maps the future for Indigenous education

Education leaders from around the country have mapped a reform pathway to provide Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students the tools they need to navigate through life as part of the 2nd National Indigenous Education Forum, held in Perth.

More than 30 community and government leaders from around Australia presented their thoughts and plans for the future of Indigenous education, with international guest speakers also attending the conference from New Zealand and Hawaii. 

Forum Chair Curtin University’s Elder-in-Residence, Professor Simon Forrest, said building trust and collaborative relationships with communities, families and Elders was the key to ensuring successful indigenous education reform.

Professor Forrest said the forum was working towards a future where all Indigenous young people gained a full understanding of their history, enabling them to connect it to their future.

“My vision for the future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education is the existence of a situation where healing of the past takes place daily and our culture is embedded within all aspects of the curriculum and the education system,” Professor Forrest said.

“My hopes are for an education system where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are fully engaged by having our culture completely embedded in the system, creating an environment that inspires our students to achieve in all aspects of life. 

“I also envisage students, family and the community working together as the driving force behind the implementation of a culturally celebratory space that encourages our students to thrive and develop the skills necessary to successfully navigate both worlds.” 

Professor Forrest said the conference delegates were also encouraged to use the Coolangatta Statement on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in Education, which represents a collective voice of Indigenous people from around the world who support fundamental principles considered vital to achieving education reform, as a guiding principle to influence the education of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. 

“Delegates were also encouraged to use the outcomes from the forum to endeavour to influence change to ensure Indigenous children are successful at school,” Professor Forrest said. 

The 2nd National Indigenous Education Forum was held in Perth from August 22 to 24. 

For more information about the forum, visit here. 

Ends…/

Notes to Editor:

Interviews with Professor Forrest about the 2nd National Indigenous Education Forum are available. 

Media contacts:

Professor Simon Forrest, Curtin University

Tel: (08) 9266 3130 | Mobile: 0431 659 022 | Email: S.Forrest@curtin.edu.au