New Federal funds confirmed as NT on Country learning program celebrates 10 year anniversary

NIT Published August 11, 2022 at 6.19am (AWST)

culture

A successful program combining on-Country ranger programs and education has been boosted by a $29m Federal Government deal as it marks its 10 year anniversary.

The Learning on Country program started in 2012 with four communities - Maningrida, Galiwin'Ku, Yirrkala, Laynhapuy - as the Indigenous Ranger cadetship pilot program providing field and classroom lessons to school students.

By 2018 this had expanded to include Arnham Land communities Ramingining, Milingimbi, Gapuwiak, Umbakumba and Angurugu.

Today 15 communties take part in the program which sees ranger groups work with secondary schools to promote both ways learning: the practice of combining the western curriculum with cultural education.

Northern Land Council chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said developing children into leaders was one of the most important benefits of the program.

"I have my brother's two grandkids here... they part of the program in Barunga and so is young Jonas - I was there at Maningrida when he first graduated.

"Now he's got a full-time employment, Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation BAC ranger.

"It is our responsibilities as adults to make sure grandkids and kids to go to school."

To mark the 10 year anniversary Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney revealed a further six years' worth of funding for the program.

Some $29.4 million has been allocated to expand the initiative to 19 sites, whilst also widening the program's target cohort to incorporate more middle and senior school students.

Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Linda Burney said program held positive educational and cultural outcomes for Indigenous youth.

"Supporting First Nations students to engage with their schooling in this way and prioritise learning on Country nurtures an increased sense of identity and self-esteem," she said.

"By integrating culture and Country into the school curriculum, remote Aboriginal students can walk strong in both worlds and be given more paths to success."

Learning on Country chairwoman Cindy Jinmarabyana said the funding reflected the program's success.

"Our children are the future and I want to see them get the right education and go on to live healthy and fulfilling lives and care for their families, community and Country - this program creates that pathway for them," she said.