Recognizing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' rights and perspectives through civics and citizenship

The development of a deep understanding of the rich and ancient cultures and histories of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their battle to achieve citizens' rights and equity in Australia has been neglected or excluded from the education of many young Australians for too long. Being urged to develop understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, viewing and relating to the world can open up community dialogue and insights in to the 'First Australians' lives and perspectives, but the lack of emphasis on teachers' learning in the past means it is a challenging task. This article discusses how the implementation of the new civics and citizenship subject and other aspects of the Australian Curriculum meets this challenge across the nation. The perspectives of Indigenous Australians are now well represented in the overall intent of the curriculum, in the specific focus on Indigenous histories and cultures in the cross-currriculum priority and in the ethical and intercultural understanding general capabilities section of the curriculum. It explores key questions and concepts in the curriculum and examples of elaborations suggested for developing this learning in schools. It also addresses the challenges that still need to be grappled with in schools and in teacher education, to ensure that the enactment of this intended curriculum can lead to transformation in attitudes and greater equity in communities across Australia in culturally respectful and inclusive ways.