Aboriginal Education - Avoiding Tokenism
While on a visit to Fiji during the mid-year break, I was treated to a traditional fire cooked feast, consisting of a freshly caught Giant Trevally, vegetables and fruits. As I sat on the beach with Joe (our Fijian guide), he proceeded to identify numerous plants surrounding us, explaining their medicinal and food qualities. I was completely ignorant of my surroundings' significance and importance to the local culture.
At Mosman Prep, we are committed to avoiding tokenism as we develop our boys’ knowledge of, and appreciation for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures - the world’s oldest continuous living culture (over 60,000 years).
During our recent Professional Development Day at Terrey Hills, staff strengthened their understanding of Aboriginal Education by hearing from a representative of the ‘Bush to Bowl’, Aboriginal Garigal man, Adam Byrne.
“Bush to Bowl is a social enterprise built from the ground up. It not only creates a culturally safe space for its team but also continues to build a strong and meaningful platform for First Nations people by fostering their deep connection to Country and traditional foodways."
Adam’s key message relating to teachers educating their students and avoiding tokenism, was to involve local Aboriginal communities and/or appropriate knowledge holders when planning and programming. This is already a feature at Mosman Prep, through the boys engaging with Uncle Laurie at Terrey Hills, Bush to Bowl representatives, and members of the Aboriginal Communities in Coffs Harbour and Central Australia.
During the professional development day, Adam emphasised the importance of understanding that if you are ‘on country’, you are a custodian of the land (whatever is on the country - people, animals, plants, waterways). You need to connect with the land, to respect and care for it, and to help it heal.
Staff then immersed themselves in planting ‘Bush Tucker’ plants. Our boys will be learning about these plants when they visit Terrey Hills, and utilising the produce (berries, seeds and leaves) in their cooking.
By learning about Aboriginal culture alongside Aboriginal people, our boys can build an even deeper respect for diversity, develop a more complete understanding of Australia's history and culture, and promote reconciliation. This helps create more inclusive environments where both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children feel a stronger sense of belonging, while also providing our boys with a richer and more well-rounded knowledge base.
Peter Grimes | Headmaster
