Addressing Indigenous Disadvantage

Vocab Demoralisation To destroy the spirit of a person. Usually results in confusion Intractable problems Extremely difficult to solve due to the complexity of the issue Dispossessed Someone who has been banished from the home by force Reconciliation Establishing friendly relations between two conflicting sides to enable them to live together in peace Self-determination The freedom to be able to control one’s life without the influence of others

Research government policies that have been designed to address Indigenous disadvantage: Closing the Gap Stronger Futures in the Northern Territory Indigenous Economic Development strategy

Create a fact sheet addressing the following questions for each policy: 1.Outline what areas the policy covers 2.What benefits does it claim to promote? 3.What criticism have been made? 4.Comment on whether you think it is an effective program Present to class tomorrow

Policy presentations to class

Babakiueria

Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage Read through the summary of findings from the 2011 “Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage” report (handout) Highlight the key figures Challenges > NGOs)

Revisiting the issues Each student to list 3 NGO organisations working with the particular issue your group researched last week Report on name, website, 1 sentence overview of aims, list of the specific programs Give details on how they are trying to address the problem Post to Moodle- Contemporary Challenges>NGO’s

Practice Essay for exam TIPS Read the question carefully – highlight the key ideas Plan your response first – annotate the stimulus itself! Always reference the stimulus in your response The fact that the official is standing on top of the Indigenous person suggests that… By using the phrase “stand on your own two feet”, the illustrator is making the comment that… Try to show as much detailed knowledge as possible Use specific names, statistics, data where possible.

What comment is this cartoon marking and how does it reflect the reality of Indigenous policy development? 200 words (20 minutes)

Practice Essay Feedback Structure: Avoid repetition Use paragraphs to separate points Answer both parts of questions, do not just focus on the stimulus Language: Avoid using and, but. Often a full stop or comma will do, or use words such as furthermore, in addition, therefore, consequently. Limit your use of colloquial terms such as black, white Use third person expert, rather than us, them, we Consistent use of Indigenous, Aboriginal or ATSI

Practice Essay Feedback Content: Do not use generalisations: e.g. no Indigenous person wants these government changes- incorrect Don’t turn criticisms of policies into truth e.g. the policy has been forced on Indigenous people – not always correct Do not confuse identity with disadvantage. Indigenous people may not want to change their identity, but they do want to change the poverty and poor health they are living with. Support claims with evidence and detail Name specific policies and programs e.g. Red Cross –RespectED; WA Dept Housing –Deadly tenants, deadly homes Ensure you have the correct information regarding policies and programs. Many programs run by Indigenous people e.g Deadly Choices, Yalari, Jisas Wantaim, Dhumba Be aware Stronger Futures is the current policy, NT Intervention no longer in place. Know the correct details of Stronger Futures i.e. policy formulated in consultation with Indigenous communities

Useful Websites Dept of Social Services – list 68 Indigenous health programs Indigenous.gov.au- lists multiple programs to upskill and empower Indigenous Australians COAG –gives details on specific programs aimed at each Closing the Gap issue- housing, education, early childhood, remote services, health Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies – information on lifestyles and culture of ATSI