RECLAIMING
OUR
EDUCATION
Australia has the fourth most socially-segregated schools systems in the OECD with a history of systematically excluding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young learners from school. The time for change is now.
NIYEC backs the voice and agency of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people and students to assert our collective rights to education.
We are committed to long-term, systemic change to ensure our learning systems are designed for self-determined futures, where young mob feel strong in who they are.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO:
AN EQUITABLE EDUCATION ECO-SYSTEM
Education has historically been used as a tool to assimilate our People and erase our own history, culture and language. This colonial legacy still impacts us.
An equitable education ecosystem relies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander thought-leadership and self-determination.
INDIGENOUS RIGHTS TO EDUCATION
Article 14 of UN Declaration of The Rights of Indigenous People states that we have the right to self-determine and govern our own education.
We also know that a good quality, culturally responsive education is essential to achieving our own employment, health and community development aspirations.
STUDENT & YOUTH AGENCY
More than 60% of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population is under the age of 35. We are the future leaders, but we are also active and ready to learn now.
We need to be involved in driving education change now to safeguard our future.
COUNTRY AS CLASSROOM
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are disproportionately impacted by effects of climate change.
Our spirit and cultures are connected country. Learning and taking care of country should be at the center of our education ecosystem.
