University programs
NAAJA partners with tertiary institutions to introduce law students to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives on the justice system.
If we are to successfully incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander views into legal education, we must do so in a way that draws upon insights and perspectives of people with diverse experiences, such as interpreters, lawyers, traditional owners and academics, and do so on country where there can be deep listening and reflective practice.
True Justice: Deep Listening
NAAJA recently partnered with Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) law school to offer a five-day True Justice: Deep Listening elective unit enabling law students to examine the current Australian legal education, legal practice, law and justice in relation to Aboriginal people. Students travelled to sites in Kakadu, Gunbalanya, and Garramilla to connect with traditional owners, educators, interpreters, academics and lawyers.
Here’s what one participant had to say about the experience:
Before undertaking this unit, I thought I was aware of, and had a good understanding of, the key issues and themes covered by the unit. However, True Justice went well beyond my understanding and created a depth of perception that I believe is essential for anyone working as a lawyer (or other profession) with First Nations people in the NT.
— Phoebe Quilty, law student at Charles Darwin University
Bilata Legal Pathways Program
Our courses draw on established legal education methods and practices that are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led. We hold these courses in different locations across the Northern Territory and seek to involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander lawyers from across different nations and to develop a community of practice to enable the sharing of insights and perspectives.
Aboriginal lawyers and law students at NAAJA served a key role establishing the Bilata program as a partnership approach to increase the access and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the studies and practice of law.
Now in its 4th year, the Charles Darwin Indigenous Pre-Law program and the community engagement work of Aboriginal lawyers and law students involved with the Bilata program has led to increases in the numbers of Aboriginal people studying law.
NAAJA’s proactive support of its staff to participate in this program has also been key to its success.
If you are interested in partnering with us, please email deeplistening@naaja.org.au.