Indigenous Languages and Culture Report

The Northern Territory Department of Education and Training (DET) has released the Indigenous Languages and Culture Report, the culmination of a two-year review into Indigenous language and culture programs in Northern Territory schools.

In particular the review responded to the recommendations that Indigenous perspectives should be strengthened in all Northern Territory (NT) schools and high-quality curriculum material, providing an understanding of Australian Indigenous languages and culture, should be made available to schools.

Since the commencement of this review there has been an imperative set by the NT Government to have an increased focus on Indigenous languages and culture programs in DET schools and ‘put bilingual education back on the agenda’ (Ministerial Statement, 24 August 2005).

The Indigenous Languages and Culture in NT Schools Review was tasked to deliver a document that:

• describes the continuum of Indigenous languages and culture activity in NT schools including a resource and funding index

• summarises the views of DET personnel and school staff regarding access to, and appropriateness of, languages and culture resources

• provides findings and recommendations regarding future directions for the range of Indigenous languages and culture programs in NT schools

• provides findings and recommendations regarding future directions for the Two Way Learning program

• develops a draft NT government policy to guide the development and delivery of Indigenous languages and culture initiatives and programs in all NT schools.

The implementation of the recommendations of this report will ensure that all students in Northern Territory schools have access to relevant and high quality Indigenous languages and culture programs.