Combat low-levels of self-esteem among indigenous students: Dodson

Within indigenous families there is a living memory of education as an instrument of disempowerment: Australia has no excuse not to provide indigenous children with the best education possible yet it still seems unable to do so, Professor Mick Dodson says. He was speaking at the University of Canberra where he was conferred with an honorary doctorate last week. The doctorate recognised his contribution to human rights, social justice and indigenous affairs in Australia and around the world. In his address Dodson highlighted the importance of having high expectations of indigenous students. He said that a country as prosperous as Australia should be able to provide every child with a good education “yet we still can’t do it.” “It never was an easy task – but the shame is not in failing, it’s in not trying as hard or as intelligently as we can.” He called for an approach to education that recognised indigenous perspectives, attitudes, understanding, ability and desire to learn. “These matters are all shaped, not only by our access to information and instruction: they are profoundly shaped by our personal experience, our social context and that of our family and community.” He said indigenous children and young people brought with them certain ideas, feelings and expectations about the formal education system. “Within indigenous families there is a living memory of education as an instrument of disempowerment: dismantling languages, cultures and traditions. A place generally that fostered a culture of low expectations of their kids.” He said effective education must have meaning in terms of background. “It must connect with the real life experience of the individual, the social context and cultural values of their family and community. This critical dimension is often absent in the education of Indigenous children and young people in Australia.” He identified the central challenge as creating an education system and environment that genuinely connects with the lives of indigenous peoples. He said he did not wish to repeat the appalling statistical outcomes in education for indigenous Australians but everyone knew things were bad and the outcome gaps were great. “The measurable gap in educational outcomes is preceded and produced by subtle, subjective factors – attitudes and beliefs and expectations feeding off and reinforcing low levels of self esteem. Too many educators and education administrators have low expectations of our kids. “Through subtle racial stereotyping they don’t think we are capable of any great achievement in education. This attitude has to go”. He said he supported the objective of indigenous children reaching national standards in reading, writing and numeracy. “There should be no soft standards. In Australia, competency in English is essential. Regular attendance at school is essential. Progression to tertiary study, post schooling training and meaningful employment is the common goal. The real question is about the most effective, sustainable way to achieve these results.” He said the starting point must be to envision indigenous children with intelligence, imagination, culture and values, desires and expectations for their lives. “And our task is to move from that point – to lead out, draw forth and expand all those human qualities and potential. “We must have a framework that takes us down to the community level where the real work of improving the education of our children must take place. It insists on respect for human rights and the humanity of all. He said for indigenous children to excel “it is our task to imbue them with the expectation that they will. “Our greatest opportunity lies in those children and young adults, in their energy and their aspirations. Our greatest challenge is not to fail another generation of Indigenous children.” University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Professor Stephen Parker applauded Professor Dodson’s work advocating for indigenous peoples. “Professor Dodson is a vigorous advocate for the rights and interests of indigenous peoples throughout the world and I’m delighted the University of Canberra is conferring this award,” Professor Parker said. Dodson is director of the National Centre for Indigenous Studies and professor of law at the College of Law at the Australian National University. He is a fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia. He was Australia’s first Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and served in that role from 1993 to 1998. In January 2005 he took up a three year appointment as a member of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and was reappointed for a further three years to December 2010. He thanked the University of Canberra for bestowing the honour upon him and said he also wanted to thank colleagues. Finally he said he wanted to thank his family for their unconditional love and support.