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Back In Time
The Aboriginal cultural education officer's primary role is to educate interested groups about Aboriginal practices dating back to pre-European settlement. This involves conducting cultural tours and cultural education activities.
Aboriginal cultural education officers provide the local community and the rest of the world with an opportunity to learn about the lifestyle practices unique to Aboriginal communities. The onset of the Aboriginal cultural education officer's role has provided audiences with an opportunity to gain an understanding of, and respect for, Aboriginal history, culture and identity. In doing this, they are developing an industry for people who are proud of their Aboriginal heritage and culture.
Keeping The Past Alive
As self-employed cultural education officer Vernon Thorne points out, his role gives people access to the Indigenous community's background, lifestyle as children, cultural heritage, and experiences within the Indigenous community. This is in addition to gaining an insight into a living culture where past traditions are kept alive.
''I was invited to attend last year's Wildflower Festival in Kings Park to discuss the significance to the Aboriginal community of some of the plants that were on display. The Marri Red Gum, for example, has been used as a medicine to treat various aches. I took a sample of some of the plants along to the show so that I could demonstrate how they have been used as medicines or for food.''
Best Way To Learn
School students also often attend the cultural tours. Spear throwing and stone tool and boomerang making, and their uses in catching food for example, are among the other cultural education activities demonstrated by cultural education officers. Vernon recently took some school students on a Bush Tucker Boomerang bush walk where, in addition to making boomerangs, the students identified some plant food sources. Some of the more adventurous students were brave enough to sample traditional Aboriginal fare, grubs. Glue and fire making, the latter so that daily activities such as cooking can be undertaken, are some of the other cultural activities covered during a cultural tour.
Vernon says that, at the end of a tour, tour participants are asked to provide feedback.
''Teachers and students often tell me that they enjoy the tours because they learn things about the Aboriginal culture that can't be taught or learnt in a classroom as effectively,'' says Vernon.
Vernon says he has also conducted tours for overseas tourists including a group of doctors who recently attended a medical conference in Western Australia. He says that he especially enjoys his work because most people are genuinely interested in increasing their awareness about a largely unknown culture.
In addition, Vernon thoroughly enjoys the freedom offered by his work. He can conduct the tours as he sees fit as long as the tour participants gain a sound appreciation of Aboriginal cultures and lifestyle. There is also the opportunity to work outdoors. People interested in this line of work should be aware that most of a cultural education officer's work is conducted outdoors and be sure that this aspect of the occupation appeals to them.
Qualities That Will Put You Ahead
''If you're interersted in this occupation, then it's also a good opportunity to learn more about your culture which is an important part of the job. And you'll need good communication skills as well as a sense of humour. You are a teacher as well as an entertainer and if you don't have a sense of humour then you won't be able to make your tours flow well,'' says Vernon.
Most of the Aboriginal cultural education workers employed in this State are self-employed. Some, like Vernon Thorne, are contracted to provide a business service through the Department of Environment and Conservation. Cultural education officers mostly work on a casual basis. This is a small workforce but a growing awareness and interest in Aboriginal culture may result in increased employment opportunities.
For more information about what you can expect to earn in this occupation, check out the Australian Government Workplace Authority website below.
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