The BlackCard course was developed by Lilla Watson and Mary Graham, two Aboriginal women who are heavily involved in Aboriginal Education and Aboriginal Community Affairs.
Since July last year, the two elders have hosted workshops for about 200 people from community organisations, non-government organisations, medical centres and universities.
The workshops provide training and consultancy services to enable people and organisations to work effectively with members of the Aboriginal community.
This week, the BlackCard organisation taught cross-cultural training at the Queensland Nurses Union.
Director of BlackCard, Mundanara Bayles says the course offers a unique cultural experience to participants.
“The information that's taught at the BlackCard’s comes from our elders. The knowledge comes directly from this land. So you're getting like a first encounter of our experience of being Aboriginal and what it means to us,” she said.
The course covers topics such as Aboriginal law, spiritualty and the Dreaming, Aboriginal protocols and Aboriginal approaches to knowledge.
It is tailored to suit particular needs and can be delivered in three different forms.
Ms Bayles believes all BlackCard courses have been promoted through word-of-mouth.
She was thrilled to hear that a person applying for a job in Alice Springs was told to get a BlackCard.
“That's just deadly to see other Aboriginal organisations around the country and communities see that the BlackCard is of value. It confirms to us that we are doing the job that needs to be done,” said Ms Bayles.
Once participants successfully complete the course assessment, they are able to work in Murri organisations.
To register for a BlackCard online, follow the link here.
