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Monash experts call for greater Indigenous awareness

16 April 2008

The Wolithiga Clan dancers performed at a public lecture on Indigenous education delivered recently by two Monash Education Faculty lecturers.

Henry Atkinson and Dr Zane Ma Rhea from the Faculty of Education called for improvements to Indigenous education at a public lecture at Federation Square recently.

More than 180 people attended the lecture, held as part of a series of lectures to celebrate Monash's 50th Anniversary.

Mr Atkinson, an Aboriginal elder, reflected on his own experiences at school stressing the important role education had to play in creating long-term, positive changes to the lives of Indigenous Australians.

"I look forward to the day when all our prospective educators must go through the unit for Indigenous awareness, making for holistic classrooms for the betterment of all students, Australia-wide," Mr Atkinson said.

Dr Ma Rhea said education was the key to creating the Aboriginal leaders, teachers, professionals and self-sufficient individuals of the future.

"Education is capable of expanding opportunities for full social, political and economic participation," she said.

"I would like to see a partnership plan where Indigenous communities and families work with high-performing state and independent schools to find the right fit."

The event was capped off with a captivating performance by Wolithiga Clan dancers.

To view a videorecording of the lecture, email Education Faculty Marketing Manager Rosie Johnston at Rosie.Johnston@education.monash.edu.au.