Meet The Team: An Interview With Winifeld Mandigan

We meet with Winifeld Mandigan, one of the writers behind Empower To Teach’s teaching resources, to find out more about her involvement and vision for this project. 

Why were you interested in this project?

For many years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been working hard to educate Australians about our shared history and the need for truth telling. As we have a shared history this also means a shared responsibility to work together for improvements in education about Australia’s First People in all its aspects.

Why is this important?

There are constant challenges facing Australia’s First People. So many of these have been highlighted recently from racism on the football field to the continued increase of deaths in custody of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Education is the answer to these problems and a valid curriculum is key to this.

What do you have to offer this project?

My own education equips me for understanding the gaps in the curriculum as I was educated in such a way where First Nations peoples received scant attention. This needs to change.

What would you say to teachers who find this a difficult/confronting/challenging subject?

It is natural to feel confronted when considering teaching about our shared history. Mistakes are a normal part of life. We learn from them, we research in order to learn more and we communicate more with others to ensure that we are on the right track. ‘Nothing ventured, nothing gained.’

Do you have any tips to assist teacher? 

My main tip is simply make a start. In no time you will find yourself totally involved in all the wonderful information and resources available to you. Like me, you will find that you never stop learning. This is exciting.

What is your hope for this project?

My main hope is that you find the Curriculum Framework and Sample Lesson Plans easy to use. In addition I hope you realise that you can fit the Curriculum seamlessly into your current one, thus avoiding stress. Finally, I hope you and your students find the Curriculum ideas stimulating and fun.

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Many thanks for Winifeld for taking the time to answer our questions, and your ongoing support & knowledge for this project!