We acknowledge the elders, families and forebears of the Indigenous peoples of Australia and throughout the world. We recognise that the land on which we live, meet and learn is the place of age-old ceremonies of celebration, initiation and renewal and that the Indigenous people’s living culture has a unique role and in the history and life of us all. We live and learn together in the interests of peace and justice for all peoples.
We greatly value the friendship and support of colleagues in recent times, when planning, structuring and drafting of an academic manuscript has many challenges. During this period, our esteemed colleague, Dr Tony Kruger passed away and we sadly miss his professional acumen and judgement, his educational integrity and understanding, his commitment to social justice and his ready good humour. Our appreciation is extended to Aunty Lois Peeler, Executive Director of Worawa Aboriginal College Australia, for her friendship and guidance in consideration of the many complexities of Indigenous education. We are also most grateful for the encouragement and advice provided by Martyn Brogan, Tony Edwards, Kerry Renwick and Simon Taylor. We are in personal and intellectual debt to all.
Our thinking has been enhanced and constantly formed and reformed during the writing of this book through the perspectives of a range of theorists and scholars, who are noted and referenced throughout. In emphasising the central role of social practice in all learning, there is a philosophical link extending back many centuries that brings together the formation of personal knowledge, with the great ideas and wonderment of humanity, those of human purpose, moral conduct and truth and freedom. Current generations and those to come, need to consider this struggle for meaning and enlightenment, with courage and persistence, demanding and implementing philosophical and critical practice as a human right for all citizens.