Last updated: 31 May 2012
Background to the use of Aboriginal languages in NT schools (bilingual education)
Main Contents Page:
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/05/05/background-to-the-use-of-aboriginal-l...
STATEMENTS REGARDING BILINGUAL EDUCATION:
Indymedia: Stop the Intervention: self-determination not assimilation (19 Jun 09)
http://indymedia.org.au/2009/06/19/stop-the-intervention-self-determinat...
"We members of the Prescribed Area Peoples’ Alliance have made the following statement from our June 18-19 meeting in Darwin. ...
Bilingual Education:
We didn’t come on the boat with the Government, they need to understand we had our own language before they came with English. We want to keep passing it on.
Demand regarding bilingual education:
We want the government to support bilingual schools. We want Aboriginal languages taught in schools. All schools should have cross-cultural training for teachers. Bilingual language is keeping our culture alive and strong."
Rollback the Intervention - Resources/Info:
Resolutions from the Defending Indigenous Rights Conference Alice Springs. 6-9 July 2010
[scroll down page] http://rollbacktheintervention.wordpress.com/statements/
"4. Defend Aboriginal Languages – Scrap the Bi-Lingual Education Ban
Stop the erosion of Aboriginal language rights. The government is denying Aboriginal people our identity and culture through the Bi-lingual education ban.
The Defending Indigenous Rights gathering calls on the Australian Education Union to pledge support for any teachers who refuse to follow the policy of assimilation being enforced on NT communities – the restrictions on teaching in Aboriginal languages. That all conference participants work to get signatures on the AEU petition against the Bi-lingual Education Ban and works with teachers around the country to build forums and protest actions."
National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Languages Statement (31 May 12)
http://nationalcongress.com.au/funds-for-the-future-of-aboriginal-torres...
"Congress recommends reinstating bilingual education in the Northern Territory in those communities that have requested it. Experts have provided evidence which documents that learning an Aboriginal language enhances Aboriginal children’s English language learning."
- - -
About WGAR News:
http://indymedia.org.au/2012/04/30/about-wgar-news-working-group-for-abo...
- - -
WGAR: Working Group for Aboriginal Rights (Australia)