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This resource is either a video cassette or a DVD made from an Indigenous perspective describing what it is like to face literacy difficulties on a day-to-day basis. It is aimed at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) students and explores a various scenarios in Queensland ranging from a small manufacturing company, to a remote community and features insights from a range of Indigenous people. The video asks whether English and Indigenous languages walk side by side, or will Indigenous languages and cultures disappear forever. It shows ATSI elders, mentors and teachers explaining the importance of literacy and numeracy and the importance of knowing their own culture and language first before learning English, so that self-esteem can be built up. The innovative programs shown include: a program working with Indigenous street kids, using an Aboriginal liaison officer; Wattle-I-Wear, an Aboriginal women’s self-help group which make clothes for sale; and a radio show on community radio which promotes traditional language and culture but the use of English for going to school. Show less

This professional development video (on DVD) highlights the difficulties faced daily by adults and children whose first language is not English. It is divided into six sections, which look at the value of literacy and its relationship with language, land and cultural identity. It uses stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to explore the complexities of Indigenous language and literacy. The accompanying discussion guide (on CD-ROM) examines in detail the video themes and provides questions to assist trainers and facilitators. This package is particularly suitable for use by training organisations, employers, government and community agencies. Show less