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Country programs

Indigenous Governance Narragunnawali: Reconciliation in Education

Good governance is crucial to building and sustaining strong and This program is helping foster a higher level of knowledge and pride in
self-determining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions.

Within Australia and across the globe, Progress and achievements Narragunnawali, from the language Progress and achievements
“ There are many different experience and research shows that • Nine high-performing Aboriginal and “ Historically, educational of the Ngunnawal people, means Since the program was officially
ways of ‘doing’ Indigenous Indigenous peoples’ ability to be Torres Strait Islander organizations institutions have perpetuated alive, well-being, coming together launched in March 2015, almost 5,000
governance in the Aboriginal self-determining through exercising and initiatives were selected myths and misinformation and peace. As a nation, Australia schools and early learning services
and Torres Strait Islander choice and voice is the only long-term as finalists of the Indigenous about Aboriginal and Torres values the central role of education and 45,000 individuals have registered
nations spread across this vast sustainable solution to addressing Governance Awards with each Strait Islander peoples, in building a society that is prosperous, on the Narragunnawali online platform.
continent – but the common issues of disadvantage. finalist demonstrating exceptional cultures and contributions. cohesive and culturally diverse, and This reflects a real commitment to
thread is that culture must Reconciliation Australia’s Indigenous Indigenous governance and Schools and early learning that recognizes Aboriginal and Torres progressing positive, comprehensive
be at the core.” Governance Program aims to progress delivering positive and long-lasting services engaged in the Strait Islander cultures as a key part of change in local educational communities,
reconciliation by recognizing, change in their communities. Narragunnawali program the nation’s past, present and future. all the while strengthening the role
supporting and celebrating strong • An analysis of the 2016 Indigenous have a powerful role to However, Aboriginal and Torres Strait of reconciliation in education.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Governance Awards: Strong play in fostering positive Islander perspectives have been left In 2019:
governance and self-determination. Governance Supporting Success change towards reconciliation out of classrooms and as a result, • 17 per cent of all schools and early
in Australia.”
Since 2005, the Indigenous (the product of collaboration between generations of Australians have grown learning services in Australia have
Governance Awards have celebrated AIGI and Reconciliation Australia) up with an inadequate understanding commenced the Reconciliation
outstanding Indigenous governance shows that despite differences in of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan (RAP) process;
through strong leadership, good location, industry and community, cultures and very limited awareness
management, effective partnerships applicants shared a number of of the true histories of Australia. • a wide range of professional learning
resources which meet the National
and brave, creative thinking. In 2018, attributes: governance was healthy; Narragunnawali was developed
the Awards were delivered for the first culture is the foundation for building to support the 26,000 schools and Quality Standard and the Australian
time in partnership with the Australian strong contemporary governance early learning services within Australia Professional Standards for Teacher;
Indigenous Governance Institute arrangements; and organizations build relationships, strengthen respect • resources to promote reconciliation
(AIGI). Through the Supporting are the lifeblood of communities. and create opportunities in the and strengthen children and
Self-Determined Governance for • In addition to delivering Governance classroom, around the school students’ knowledge and
Indigenous Development Outcomes Masterclasses around the country, and with the community. understanding of Aboriginal and
project, AIGI is helping improve AIGI in partnership with the Australian Torres Strait Islander histories,
outcomes for Indigenous people by Indigenous Leadership Centre, held cultures and contributions the
supporting their economic, social and a very successful one-day leadership second biennial Narragunnawali
Mick Dodson cultural aspirations and connecting Karen Mundine Awards were launched to recognize
Chair, them with world-class governance and governance symposium, Our CEO, exceptional commitment to
Indigenous Governance Awards practice, research, thought leadership Voice Our Truth – Good Governance Reconciliation Australia reconciliation in schools and
through Strong Leadership at the
and educational resources. National Museum of Australia. early learning services.
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