ADCET UDL Symposium: Reinvigorating Nyungar Boodja - Collaboration and implementation of Nyungar and UDL pedagogies to rekindle desire for participatory action by Indigenous and non-Indigenous students

In-person presentation

Max Jackson, Anthony Kickett, Marleigh Zada, Curtin University

To combat the colonial narratives constructed about Nyungar peoples and change perceptions of history in Boorloo (Perth), our Nyungar Culture and Identity unit privileges relational ways of working to hold students' development in a culturally secure manner. Implementing our traditional learning methodologies alongside carefully considered Universally Designed Learning principles allows students to understand their position in history and how we can begin to move forward with positive, inclusive change in modern Australia.

Their 7-day intensive unit sometimes presents challenges with sharing knowledge with new learners, however, it respectfully utilises community members, local NAIDOC events, a range of Aboriginal lecturers, and of course, Nyungar Boodja (Country) herself to assist with the colonial load undertaken in the Indigenous education space. Reinvigorating the Boorloo CBD and surrounding locations with an understanding that our city is still Country promotes complete engagement in both Country and classroom content while challenging historical and present-day understandings of the strength of Nyungar peoples and the validity of our practices.

Their processes of learning on-Country, representing the diverse voices and perspectives of Aboriginal people who live in the South-West of Western Australia and encouraging students to engage in courageous conversations and critical self-reflection are key to the success of the learner. By weaving Nyungar and Western methods of knowledge acquisition and assessment, students are completely immersed in the inclusivity of the third space and their inquisitive nature flourishes, proving significant growth in the individual mindset of each student, and provoking further curiosity and desire to genuinely engage with Nyungar peoples and the local environment we all call ‘home’. This unit produces students who have an active role in this knowledge sharing journey post-completion of the unit in their own respective communities, as well as a desire to continue learning about and engaging with Nyungar boodja and her peoples.