A time of change?: the establishment of government funded Aboriginal schooling in the Northern Territory

Abstract

For three-quarters of the twentieth century the Australian government imposed separate policies onto Aboriginal people. They were subject to injustice and cruelty. However Aboriginal people were not passive victims in this imposition. Using a variety of strategies, they fought back. This thesis examines the transition from protection to assimilation in the Northern Territory, focussing particularly on the role of education. It counters perceptions that World War II and the years immediately after, were insignificant for the developing assimilation policy. This may have been the case for government agents, it was not the case for Aboriginal people. A description of events during and after World War II, provides the context for the introduction of government funded schooling for Aboriginal children. Particular themes are examined in an interpretation of these events. Two central themes are control and racial attitudes, which, it is argued, are closely related. Other themes examined are the relationship between individuals and groups, and the government systems, the notions of contradictory tensions and interests Show more