After having a lengthy break between blogs I am finally back! This semester of study focuses on Country, Cultures, Peoples. Only week 4 of study and I feel I have not only learnt so much regarding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples but I have also experienced personal growth in regards to my worldview on social justice. I have come to realise that a large portion of this unit requires self reflection and thus back to my trusty blog :)

Week one focused on personal stories as a way to introduce us to racial undertones still common in all three areas of; individual, ideological and institutional. This scaffolding introduction to topic two of "What is Social Justice" then has led us to the history of Australia in a Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context. I have always felt a personal strong sense of social justice but how to implement that in teaching practice has previously been a bit of a mystery. This unit is giving me the necessary tools and I am looking forward to continuing my learning journey.

This is all such a relevant topic of late, with the Federal and State Governments persisting with the forced closure of remote communities. I am disappointed that our government do not have the fore sight to recognise the implications of these actions. Do they not realise that this will only contribute to further social problems for Aboriginal People? The short term budget gain will only ensure that funds need to be spent to solve the added problems that will be made by this monumental mistake. A post that was shared with us on LMS accessible here: Remote Kimberley Communities highlights some of the issues that the Abott government have failed to consider. It is also a hopeful and in someways positive outlook, I just really hope that they can stay with their country.

Well assignment one is done and dusted; I'm now looking forward to assignment two and finding an inspirational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person of note to learn about. There were so many that I have come across in the past three weeks but I am saddened to find that some of them have passed away at young ages. I have decided not to research anyone who is deceased as respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture of not saying the persons name. It would be wonderful to find a local person of note, so time to investigate...

I have thought of researching Sally Morgan, as I enjoyed reading her book "My Place" many years ago. I have done a little searching and found the below website, this could be my starting point, I wonder where it will take me?

Till next time, ttfn.