I would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land on which we have gathered on today. I wish to acknowledge and respect Elders past, present and future for continuing culture and nurturing the land, waters and community. I recognise that the Land is a powerful healer and the holder of knowledge, and also believe that it is only through the unification between people and place can we better our country. I am grateful for this opportunity to learn and understand the truer history of Australia and hope my design practice will help recontextualise stereotypical views of Indigenous community.
In partnership with the documentary film 'In My Blood It Runs'
Content created, written & designed by Victoria Ng
Selected for the UTS GradShow 2019
Main insight from the documentary film 'In My Blood It Runs':
Australian schools uses western methods of teaching and aren't considering the impact it may impose on Indigenous children. For instance, Dujuan struggles to engage in school activities resulted in him feeling incompetent
Personal Insight:
Education weren't designed in a way that encouraged inclusive behaviour. Growing up I struggled to find my own voice and a space where I could freely express myself.
Research Conducted:
Primary/Secondary Research
Interviewed 8 primary school teachers from different years
Card sort user testing
Mikaela (another student) and I organised a visit to Gawura, an Indigenous school established by St Andrew's Cathedral School. We were able to sit in a Year 4 language class run by Leanne Carr-Smith and had the pleasure to interview her perspective.
Reflection:
In the future, I truly hope teachers/educators would become more mindful and motivated in teaching the truer history of Australia. This yarning kit in my design project, is only the foundation of my goal and I hope that it will inspire educators to connect with their local Elders in creating learning activities that are not just fun and insightful but collaborative. When visiting Leanne’s Year 4 class, every student had an Ipad provided to them from school. Thus, I would like to take this project onto a digital platform and create an online space where students can play on their own or with friends and family. This website will not only have links to Indigenous resources but also where teachers can create their own stickers to use in each term. Through active participation of the yarning circle, I hope to see teachers understand the importance in their role and foster better relationships by willing to open up and learn more about Indigenous culture.
