Educators from more than 20 nations and language groups will gather on Larrakia Country next week for the annual Utyerre Apanpe First Nations Educators Forum.
The forum, now in its seventh year, will be held in Garramilla (Darwin) on August 24–25, bringing together more than 60 Elders, cultural professors, senior educators and emerging leaders.
Its aim is to advance a national First Nations-led education system in Australia.
Key priorities include creating a learning pathway for Indigenous children that is designed by Elders and grounded in cultural authority, strengthening a national body of First Nations educators to guide cultural and professional standards, and building steps towards an independent governance structure with long-term funding.
Wakka Wakka woman and Utyerre Apanpe First Nations Educators Network member Jo Wilmott OAM said Australia must embrace First Nations models of learning to give every child the best chance to succeed.
"Our children prosper when their learning begins in the spirit and vision of our ancestors, who carried lore and culture through the essence of language and expression," she said.
"This spirit endures in us, shaping how we teach and how we learn. It is our cultural responsibility to uphold this legacy, ensuring First Nations knowledge and practice remain the foundation of education."
The forum will also progress reforms outlined in the M.K. Turner Report, authored by Alice Springs-based organisation Children's Ground.
In a statement, Children's Ground said the report provides six recommendations for governments to establish a "First Nations-led education system as the key to reversing the failure of mainstream schooling" and achieving a "future where all children grow strong in identity, language and culture".
Educators at the forum will share practices from across Nations, consider international approaches to Indigenous educational reform, and develop strategies for curriculum design, workforce development and cultural protection.
"Through the strength of our collective voice, we are guiding the next generations and creating opportunities for them to thrive in identity, to be empowered by culture and to walk proudly with the wisdom of both worlds," Ms Wilmott said.
"This is vital work, reaching from our Country and communities to the global stage."
