Leading by Listening: Why Aboriginal Voices Matter in Creating a World Worth Living in

Abstract

To live well in a world worth living in for all Australians, Aboriginal voices should be central to Australian schooling. This is a radical shift from the current education policy, where Aboriginal-informed knowledge, leadership, and practices are peripheral. Through the lens of the theory of practice architectures, this chapter proposes that Aboriginal leading practices differ from many taken-for-granted Western leadership practices. Aboriginal leading practices—founded on deep listening, reciprocity, and respect are key to creating a world worth living in for all in Australian schools. Our findings are supported by the Aboriginal Voices Project systematic review that discovered that intercultural, collective approaches to leading in schools are more effective than transformational leadership models, bringing shared power and authority through trusting collaborations with local Aboriginal communities. The Culturally Nourishing Schooling Project, emerging from this research, prioritises relationship-building practices grounded in Aboriginal community-led practices that support cultural identity, curriculum, pedagogy, and whole-school reform.