Resisting the racist silence

The purpose of this chapter is to provide a fuller, evidence-based understanding of the nature of systemic racism targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students (and their communities). From this foundation, this chapter also explores the ways in which teachers and schools may fight racism by not only committing to anti-racist practices, but also by providing culturally safe and strengthening school environments that support the identities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their communities. By weaving the voices of Aboriginal (D’harawal) Elders and Knowledge Holders with existing empirical research highlighting the enduring and complex nature of racism within Australia (and its schools), this chapter privileges the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (and international First Nations) peoples and scholars who too often have been silenced in discussion on racism itself. This approach reveals that racism is still endemic within Australia, that racism is much more than individualistic ‘sticks and stones’ experiences (but is prevalent within institutions and the very cultural milieu of Australia) and that evidence suggests that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are fully aware of this. Teachers and schools must seek to understand and combat the complex web of racism that has embedded itself in all levels of society (including education systems).