A First Nations program in the Northern Territory that incorporates both Indigenous traditional knowledge and western culture has been named a finalist in this year's prestigious Indigenous Governance Awards.
The Learning on Country (LoC) program has been nominated for a gong in the awards which honours the success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations from around Australia.
The winners of the awards, which were established by Reconciliation Australia and are held every two years, will be announced on 6 November.
LoC is a joint initiative between Aboriginal Ranger groups and schools across 14 Top End remote communities aimed at integrating both ways learning into secondary school curriculums.
Now in its 12th year, the LoC program is managed by the Northern Land Council in partnership with the National Indigenous Australians Agency, Northern Territory Department of Education, local ranger groups, and Traditional Owners.
LoC steering committee co-chair, Danny Dangadanga Garrawurra said the program was for First Nations children to connect with country.
"Through this pathway, our children are watching, learning and following us," he said.
"It is from the voice of Yolŋu that this pathway emerges. Bringing everyone together along this journey.
"This recognition speaks to the dedication of everyone who has been involved in the Learning on Country Program. I look forward to seeing this team keep up all their good work empowering Aboriginal students!"
National Land Council chair Matthew Ryan said the success of the program relies on Indigenous leadership, governance and community involvement.
"This means that our people are in charge of running and owning the program, with guidance from the local LoC committee and the LoC steering committee," he said.
"This recognition speaks to the dedication of everyone who has been involved in the Learning on Country program. I look forward to seeing this team keep up all their good work empowering Aboriginal students."
The judges will visit the Northern Territory in September to witness the exemplary work being completed by LoC.
