The Importance Of Western And Indigenous Knowledge

Education and learning is a natural and customary process for every being. Learning is habitual as education and knowledge is passed down through generations. Knowledge is always evolving and will continue to be learnt, passed down and taught to others. Types and definitions of education vary, however the primary reason for passing down knowledge is to educate the younger generations. This process is important because it benefits by not repeating mistakes others have previously made, it also helps individuals to develop personal perspectives and opinions throughout life.

Throughout history each culture and society have had their own ways of recording knowledge and information and passing it down to the younger generations. Historically, in

Indigenous knowledge refers to cultural and ancestral traditions of the Indigenous people in the area, whereas Western knowledge refers to recorded scientific accusations. These two knowledge systems hold different beliefs and practices, however Western and Indigenous knowledge, share a common principle; to prepare and inform the younger generations about how to survive, live and function well within their society. Indigenous knowledge was and still is practiced by Aboriginals however Western knowledge was the primary knowledge practiced within Australia throughout the country’s colonisation. Although “Aboriginals have been recorded for living in Australia for 50,000 years (Australia Government 2015),” only in modern days it has ‘both ways’ began to be practiced in schools and universities. ‘Both Ways’ refers to the combination of teaching aspects of Indigenous and Western knowledge, it was created in the “1980s (Our Culture, our Future 1998)” and is used as a symbolism for where salt and fresh water meet. ‘Both ways’ allows students to gain new formation and further their understandings of the two perspectives. Above all, the combination of the two knowledge systems allows students to reflect on the different approaches to learning and knowledge makes people reflect on practices and

Schools throughout Australia have altered their curriculums to involve Indigenous knowledge classes; where Indigenous languages, history and culture can be taught. Some schools cater for Indigenous students by creating new curriculums aimed at Indigenous students to cater for their needs, or they have mainstream and non-mainstream classes. Indigenous Boarding schools such as Kormilda College, St John’s College and Marrara Christian College cater for remote Indigenous students; these schools’ use aspects of ‘both ways’. In the year 2000 Clontarf (a male Indigenous academy that runs through many Australian schools) first started. Clontarf’s purpose is to “improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem and employment prospects of young Aboriginal men and by doing so equips them to participate meaningfully in society (Clontarf nd).” Organisations similar to Clontarf are set up throughout Australian middle and high schools. All with the objectives of appealing to Indigenous students in a way that will help the students learn about western knowledge whilst still keeping in touch with Indigenous knowledge. It is important that schools continue to keep organisations such as Clontarf operating. Many positive outcomes have occurred due to Clontarf and similar