Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing

Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander 'ways of knowing': learning is viewed as being embedded in relationships where the learner is part of a multimodal system of knowledge patterned on country. 

• - no single Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait islander way of knowing
• - some common features between nation groups that can be described.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander approaches to learning are multimodal by nature: there are a variety of ways to learn.

People learn through multiple modalities, because this means to listen, observe and sense the different languages of entities and their relationship to each other on Country.

Country: refers to the living system of all entities that exist in the universe.

- people learning from, with and through other entities, not just about them.

- Learning is holistic and involves understanding the relationships between the physical world, livings beings, spirituality and how they all interconnect with each other. 

- Learning occurs within and between families, communities and is intergenerational

- The process of learning for Australia's First Nations is deeply embedded in relationships.

- Relationships between concepts, learners and teachers, individuals and families and communities, and Country.

The kinship system defines the relationships that people have with each other, the knowledges that they are responsible for, and the entities within Country that they have a responsibility to care for. 

- distribution of knowledge and responsibilities ensures that all aspects of Country are maintained.