Embedding traditional knowledge in nationally accredited qualifications

Bilingual and bicultural education for English as an Additional Language (EAL) students to support mainstream education outcomes has been well documented in Australia and internationally. NAILSMA is working with Indigenous community members to progress a new bicultural training methodology whereby community members are involved in the refinement, delivery, and assessment of nationally accredited units that recognise Indigenous traditional and cultural knowledge systems.

NAILSMA has been trialling the delivery of the nationally accredited Certificate III in Indigenous Land Management, which is not currently available in the NT. While there are other relevant training courses for Indigenous land and sea management, such as Conservation Land Management certifications that teach and certify necessary operational skills, there is little to no recognition of Indigenous knowledge held by senior community members and rangers that is relevant to their work and their cultural responsibilities for looking after country.

This training methodology also focuses on identifying and strengthening leadership qualities within land and sea managers and cultural advisors to enhance their capabilities as trainers, leaders and mentors to other rangers and young people. Ongoing success is reliant on Traditional Owners and relevant community members identifying local course content, delivery methods, and assessment activities for this new training methodology.