Nurturing cultural identity: creating an inclusive school environment for Indigenous youths

Abstract

This article draws upon data from the Longitudinal Study of Indigenous Children to explore whether Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth (n = 472) feel adequately supported within their cultural identity at school, and what they believe could enhance their sense of support. The confidence of Indigenous youth in their Indigeneity within educational environments has been reported as crucial for fostering positive self-esteem, and contributes to favourable school retention and success, positive relationships with peers and staff, alongside one’s overall health and well being. Our findings indicate that a majority of the sampled Indigenous students do not report having received sufficient support from their schools towards their cultural identity. Participant-identified areas of improvement from schools in this regard include more classes and in-school activities, increased presence and recognition of culture, and greater encouragement and support. These insights are useful for informing educators, schools, and policymakers in developing educational settings that are received as valuing and nourishing Indigenous students and their cultural identity.