Conference to focus on Indigenous education

A conference is about to bring together leaders and innovators in Indigenous education to discuss opportunities to improve Indigenous education and training outcomes in remote Indigenous and urban schools in the Northern Territory.

The “2014 Indigenous School Leadership Conference”, hosted by the International Graduate Centre in the School of Education at Charles Darwin University, will be held at the Darwin Convention Centre on Friday, 28 November.

Centre for School Leadership Director Gary Fry said the conference would celebrate collaborations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices with a range of people attending from across Australia, including presenters from remote schools.

“We have representatives from more than 10 remote schools across Australia who will be sharing their perspectives on how to increase the engagement of learners, leaders and the community,” Mr Fry said.

Tristan Jupurula Duggie is an assistant teacher from Mungkarta Homelands School near Tennant Creek and will deliver a presentation alongside fellow teacher Katrina Kotzur entitled “The Butterfly Effect”.

“The butterfly idea came about because we were discussing symmetry in mathematics,” Mr Jupurula said. “We were painting butterflies and discussing how the patterns were the same on both wings. Then we realised how education/and the sharing of knowledge in the classroom is not symmetrically balanced for Indigenous students.

“We believe that Indigenous education needs to be more balanced in the classroom, more symmetrical for Indigenous students to become engaged learners.”

Mr Fry said the conference would focus on themes and examples of best practice in education and training in remote Indigenous and urban schools throughout the NT.

“The conference will bring together local Indigenous educators, allied local and interstate industry partners including teachers, school assistants, principals, tertiary sector groups and government representatives,” Mr Fry said.

“This is a great opportunity to hear from teachers and trainers to share their aims and outcomes in Indigenous education, and build networks and partnerships.

“It will also be a great opportunity for people to share knowledge on higher education study opportunities for Indigenous educators, along with teaching and leadership career pathways for current and aspiring Indigenous leaders.”

The conference is being hosted by the International Graduate Centre of Education, in partnership with the Australian Centre for Indigenous Knowledges and Education and the Queensland University of Technology.

For more information visit W: cdu.edu.au/csl/indigenous-school-leadership-conference