A large component of the Shooting Stars strategic plan for 2021-2023 is advocacy – in particular, through vigorous research that explores the overarching themes that disempower young Aboriginal people.
The Shooting Stars research team, headed by Dr Rose Whitau, has published an article in the Australian Journal of Indigenous Education. The journal article, ‘Western Australian Aboriginal young women and community representatives identify barriers to school attendance and solutions to school non-attendance' explores the barriers that Aboriginal students face and potential solutions to address non-attendance.
The paper is unique in that it provides a platform for the voices of young Aboriginal people to be heard. Their thoughts, gathered through yarning circles, formed the basis of the analysis that was then shared with the local steering committee for consideration.
The largest barriers and topics that are explored by the participants and the steering committee were racism, teachers-student relationships and peer connectedness – all of this directly relate to participant attendance and engagement.
The project comprised of Shooting Stars Research Manager, Dr Rose Whitau, Operations Manager, Latoya Bolton-Black, Regional Manager, Lowana Corley, and Glass Jar Australia Board Member, Helen Ockerby. All of these women have extensive ties to the Shooting Stars program and are passionate about the communities that they work and live within.
Speaking of the article, Dr Rose Whitau said, “this article showcases the yarning circle methodology and the power that open and honest conversations possess. Restructuring systems is challenging work, and Narrogin Senior High School have been very brave in coming on this journey with us.”
Overall, the journal article emphasises the need for localised approaches to creating more inclusive and culturally responsive educational spaces that recognise and value the unique perspectives and experiences of Aboriginal students. At the forefront of all solutions was the importance of healthy, respectful relationships across all people and groups within the school ecosystem.
The research paper is freely available through the Australian Journal of Indigenous Education, and we encourage educators, policy makers, parents and all those who are interested in the topic to read the paper and to work together to improve the educational outcomes for Aboriginal students.
