ACDS webinar: The National Indigenous Science Education Program

The National Indigenous Science Education Program: Facilitating Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in Secondary and Higher Education

When: September 16, 2.00 to 3.30 pm AEST 

Presenters: Joanne Jamie (Macquarie University) and Deb Breckenridge (DET, NSW)
Abstract: Since 2004, the National Indigenous Science Education Program (NISEP), co-founded by Macquarie University scientists and Yaegl Aboriginal Elders, has been using best ethical and inclusion strategies to engage with Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander school students and their communities. Positioning Indigenous secondary students as science leaders and role models, NISEP’s unique school-university-community consortium supports students through their secondary schooling, building confidence and enhancing their educational and career aspirations. NISEP is a game-changer in empowering young people who are under-represented in higher education. The NISEP Directors have also provided Macquarie University students very meaningful ways to gain greater awareness of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, especially through the Macquarie University unit Engaging the Community in Science, convened by NISEP Directors, where Macquarie students are integral in NISEP’s sustainability and empowerment of Indigenous youth.
In this presentation, NISEP Co-Director Joanne Jamie and NISEP Coordinator for Maclean High School on Yaegl Country, Deb Breckenridge, will outline NISEP’s successful model of engagement and outcomes, and its facilitation of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives into secondary and higher education in a manner that has built capacity, pride and aspirations in Indigenous youth and the wider community, and has created a sense of belonging and purpose for Macquarie University students.

Register here.