Arnhem Land community links school attendance to culture

A remote Arnhem Land community in the Northern Territory has taken the bold step of linking school attendance to culture, a move Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion says sets a strong example to communities across Australia.

arnhem_land_community_nitvnews.jpg

(NITV News)

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion flew into Galiwinku yesterday with longtime friend Rev Dr Djiniyini Gondarra to make an announcement that culture and education are now part of everyday Yolngu life.  

Speaking on behalf of the Yolngu Nations Assembly, Dr Gondarra said it was important to keep culture alive and get a Western education.

A public meeting was held to seek community endorsement and it appears most people are on board with many recognising the value of education.

"What we need is kids to come to school every day," Daisy Munyarran said. "Every day, every child." 

Minister Scullion says that this could never have been achieved without the vision of Dr Gondarra and the governments willingness to engage with Aboriginal Australia.

"What is more important is the announcement by Dr Gondarra about the connection, the importance of being prepared for life, and in the cultural context that means being prepared for ceremony and indicating that a part of that has been an education that is both ways," Minister Scullion said.


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By Danny Teece-Johnson

Source: NITV News


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