Towards a Decolonising Pedagogy: Understanding Australian Indigenous Studies through Critical
          Whiteness Theory and Film Pedagogy

Genine Hook

doi:10.1017/jie.2012.27

Authors

Genine Hook Monash University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1017/jie.2012.27

Keywords:

film pedagogy, Australian Indigenous Studies, whiteness

Abstract

This article explores student and teacher engagement with Australian Indigenous Studies. In this article I identify key themes in the film September (2007) that demonstrate how the film can be used as a catalyst for student learning and discussion. Critical whiteness theory provides a framework to explore three themes, the invisibility of whiteness, the reachability of whiteness and the cultural interface. Critical whiteness theory identifies the way in which non-Indigenous people centralise and normalise whiteness within colonised societies, and particularly considers how white privilege is maintained. Interpreting the film September through the lens of critical whiteness theory contributes to translating curriculum and social justice aims of education into action.

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