INDIGENOUS STUDIES/FIRST NATIONS AWARENESS PROGRAM

In 1981, Julie Follett was employed by Edward Public School to write an Aboriginal Studies Program in collaboration/consultation with George Day (AEA) and the local First Nations community. This was a pilot program funded by the education department as part of a change in emphasis in the social studies curriculum to add Aboriginal perspectives to curriculum.

This pilot program was one of the very few in the state and spanned three years. This program focussed on local history and local community participation and inclusion in the design and implementation of the program. At this time the Local Aboriginal Education Group and the Elders in the community were heavily involved in the process of establishing the program.

Through the partnerships, which were developed over a number of years, the school was supported by the whole community to design and implement the pilot program.

Although the school included perspectives to the curriculum as per school planning expectations, the Aboriginal studies program allowed consultation processes with the

Aboriginal community and agencies to coproduce a program which catered for a truer, appropriately localised studies program.

Mrs Follett and Mr Day modified and used the successful program for many years after its inception. Unfortunately, many of the community members who were instrumental in the development and implementation of the program are now only with us in spirit and memories. They would be so proud of its effectiveness to encourage many schools to follow suit and develop their own locally focussed Aboriginal studies program. Although the program may be considered outdated, processes and lessons suggested throughout are timeless, flexible and easily adapted to all school clientele. The scope for adaptation is huge.

During 2022, Mr Day and Narelle Labib commenced a First Nations Awareness Program which investigated the culture of first nations, history and present culture, cultural practices and knowledge. The program also reflected on