Improving the Educational Opportunities of Aboriginal Children: The Koonibba Experience
Abstract
Koonibba is a non-traditional Aboriginal settlement 40 kilometres west of Ceduna. It began as a Lutheran mission in 1901, when Aboriginal people from several areas were gathered together at the foot of Koonibba Hill to live as a community. The mission operated until 1964, when the Lutheran Church officially ceased administrative control and various government departments took over. An Education Department school began then. Now approximately 100 adults and 35 children live at Koonibba. None of them are traditionally from this area, but all identify as being part of the Koonibba Community.
Kangaroo, sleepy lizard and other local native animals form a significant part of the Koonibba people’s diet but they have retained few other traditional skills.
References
Folds R., 1984: Student behaviour and teaching strategies in Aboriginal schools. The Aboriginal Child at School, Vol. 12 No.3, June/July.
Schnider J., 1984: What is Aboriginal Studies? The Aboriginal Child at School, Vol.12, No.3, June/July.
Teaching Aboriginal Children - Information and Strategies for Teachers. South Australian Education Department and South Australian Aboriginal Education Consultative Committee, 1984.
