Cirrus@Austlit

'Representations of Aborigines matter. Clearly, media presentations about us matter because they are how many Australians get to know us. In the same way, every policy document, government report and academic text contributes to our collective and individual identities. Mainstream educators are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of representations as they create strategic partnerships with communities. Creating community–school partnerships are a particular focus of Aboriginal education courses at many universities. Many students will arrive at these courses with little personal knowledge of Aborigines. What the students are guided to learn about Aborigines in training courses will affect the ways that they initially engage Aboriginal students and communities. It follows that the conversations experienced teachers have with pre-service and early career teachers will have a significant impact on learning and teaching in Aboriginal education. These conversations matter in terms of teaching practice and curriculum content. There is then a significant responsibility that comes with writing a textbook about Aborigines for an audience of pre-service and early career teachers.'  (Introduction)