HSC Aboriginal Studies flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Aboriginality

A living identity formed through ancestry, community recognition, cultural knowledge, and connection to Country. It is relational and self-defined, not determined by skin colour or blood percentage.

Terra nullius

The legal fiction that Australia was unoccupied land at colonisation. The High Court rejected it in Mabo v Queensland (No 2) in 1992, opening the way for native title recognition.

Mabo decision 1992

High Court ruling that overturned terra nullius and recognised native title in Australian common law. It led directly to the Native Title Act 1993 and the National Native Title Tribunal.

Native title

Recognition in Australian law that some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold rights to land and waters according to traditional laws and customs. It can coexist with other interests.

Wik decision 1996

High Court case finding native title could coexist with pastoral leases. Where conflict arose, the lease generally prevailed, prompting the 1998 Native Title Amendment Act.

1967 referendum

Constitutional referendum that removed references excluding Aboriginal people from being counted and allowed the Commonwealth to legislate for them. It passed with over 90 percent support.

Self-determination

The right of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to control decisions, resources, and institutions affecting them, rather than having policies imposed by government or non-Indigenous agencies.

Sovereignty (unceded)

The position that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nations never surrendered their original authority over Country through treaty or conquest, so sovereignty continues alongside the Australian state.

Uluru Statement from the Heart

2017 statement issued after regional dialogues, calling for a Voice to Parliament, a Makarrata Commission for treaty and truth-telling. The 2023 Voice referendum was not carried.

Reconciliation

A national process since 1991, formalised through the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, addressing historical injustice, race relations, and shared futures. It includes the five dimensions: race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, unity, and historical acceptance.

Caring for Country

Reciprocal stewardship obligations to maintain land, water, and species through cultural practice. It is a responsibility held by Aboriginal peoples, not a Western land-management concept.

Stolen Generations

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children removed from families under government policies, documented in the 1997 Bringing Them Home report. The 2008 National Apology acknowledged the harm.

Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property

Rights of Indigenous peoples to control their cultural knowledge, expressions, and heritage, including stories, designs, and medicines. Australian law currently offers limited protection.

Ethical research protocols

Research rules requiring community consultation, free prior informed consent, Aboriginal ownership of data, and benefit to the community. They guide the Research and Inquiry component of the course.

Aboriginal English

A recognised dialect of English with distinct grammar, vocabulary, and discourse patterns spoken by many Aboriginal people. It is a valid language variety, not incorrect standard English.

Closing the Gap

National strategy begun in 2008 with COAG targets, refreshed in 2020 with 17 targets and four Priority Reforms, including shared decision-making and transforming government organisations.

Mparntwe Education Declaration

2019 national statement by education ministers replacing the Melbourne Declaration. It commits systems to equity and excellence, with explicit goals for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.

Cross-curriculum priority

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures priority in the Australian Curriculum, organised around Country/Place, Culture, and People. It applies to all students.

Culturally responsive pedagogy

Teaching that draws on students' cultural knowledge and strengths, uses two-way learning, and builds relationships with families and community to improve engagement and achievement.

Two-way learning

A model where Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal knowledge systems are both valued and taught, rather than one being treated as the only legitimate way of knowing.

Aboriginal Education Policy NSW

The 2008 NSW policy with three priorities: improving Aboriginal student outcomes, embedding Aboriginal cultural knowledge in curriculum, and increasing Aboriginal employment in education.

AECG

The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, a community-controlled body providing advice on Aboriginal education policy and practice. Local and regional AECGs partner with schools.

Aboriginal Community Education Officer

A school-based role, formerly Aboriginal Education Assistant, providing cultural knowledge, student support, and liaison between school and Aboriginal families and community.

Tokenism in curriculum

Superficial inclusion of Aboriginal content, such as generic dot painting or a single Dreaming story, without context, community input, or connection to local knowledge. It reinforces stereotypes.

Deficit discourse

Framing Aboriginal students by presumed gaps, such as attendance or literacy failures, while ignoring systemic factors and strengths. It shapes policy and teacher expectations.

Community-controlled schools

Schools governed by Aboriginal communities, delivering mainstream curriculum alongside cultural knowledge and language. They demonstrate self-determination in education practice.

Attendance gap

The persistent difference in school attendance rates between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students, driven by factors including health, housing, transport, and school cultural safety.

Cultural safety

An environment where Aboriginal students' identity, language, and knowledge are respected and no one is required to assimilate. It differs from cultural awareness, which is only knowledge.

Personalised Learning Pathway

An individual plan in NSW schools setting learning goals with the student, family, and school. It supports Aboriginal students' engagement and transition through schooling stages.

Aboriginal Studies syllabus

The NSW Stage 6 course with a mandatory core and optional modules, assessed through a major project and examination. It develops understanding of Aboriginality, Country, and research.

Major project

A student-directed research task in Aboriginal Studies using ethical protocols, community consultation, and a presentation. It develops inquiry skills and demonstrates self-determination in learning.

Frontier wars

Sustained armed conflict between Aboriginal nations and British colonisers from 1788 onwards. It is distinct from 'settlement' narratives and central to truth-telling.