Wensing, Ed --- "Learning about Native Title: An Online and CD ROM Learning Resource" [2003] IndigLawB 12; (2003) 5(23) Indigenous Law Bulletin 5

Learning about Native Title:

An Online and CD ROM Learning Resource

by Ed Wensing

Early this year an innovative and practical training resource on native title was launched by the Australian National Training Authority (‘ANTA’). The CD Rom and online resource, ‘Learning about native title’, is designed to enable the user to develop an understanding of the claimant application process for native title rights and interests in Australia. The primary target audience for the resource is Indigenous learners, especially those working for land councils, native title representative bodies and in local government.

The Australian Local Government Industry Training Advisory Board developed this CD Rom and online service. The ANTA provided financial assistance within the Australian Flexible Learning Framework for the national Vocational Employment and Training (‘VET’) system 2000-2004.

The development of the resource was overseen by an Indigenous reference group comprising representatives from the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement, Central Queensland Land Council, the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, the Native Title and Land Rights Centre of ATSIC, the City of Melville in Western Australia, the District Council of Ceduna in South Australia and the Australian Indigenous Training Advisory Board. Many of the key native title agencies also contributed very generously of their time and in other ways.

The site can be accessed as a learning resource, by using a web browser such as Netscape or Internet explorer in conjunction with a CD. The CD Rom contains the learning activities. These include online activities or a workbook that can be printed out and completed by hand, or used online as the user or student works their way through the resource.

A fictitious Aboriginal community, the Yarralang Community, has been created as the centrepiece of the resource. Users can follow the progress of the Yarralang Community as they prepare, lodge and pursue their application for a determination of their native title rights and interests. Users can also choose to be a member of the claimant community, or follow the role of a research officer or field officer working for a native title representative body, or an officer of a local government council.

The resource includes:

• A learning centre;
• A community centre with case studies of the most significant native title cases and an email/noticeboard for communicating with fellow students;
• Native title agencies and parties, including direct links to other sites;
• Native title library (check out the fact sheets!) and glossary; and
• A help centre and teachers’ guide.

The resource has been developed so that it can be adapted to meet the particular needs of Indigenous people and their communities. It is suitable for use by a group of learners or an individual learner. Delivery is best suited to a group environment within a community with learners working with a facilitator or tutor.

The resource can be accessed online at www.nativetitle.edu.au. However, if you want to use the training materials, then it will be necessary to purchase the CD Rom. For more information contact the:

Australian Local Government Industry Training Advisory Board

PO Box 53

CARLTON SOUTH VIC 3053.

Phone: 03 9349 3911

Facsimile: 03 9349 3730

Email: algt@algt.org.au

Ed Wensing is a consultant planner, adjunct senior lecturer at the School of Environmental Planning at Griffith University and a research associate at the Urban Frontiers Program at the University of Western Sydney.