Since the late 1970s, many Aboriginal communities have been moving towards control of their children’s education. Different models of bicultural or ‘two way’ schooling are emerging, in which Aboriginal language and culture are taught as legitimate ends in themselves, not merely as a means to more effective learning of English.

Stephen Harris explores the theoretical concept of bicultural schooling and its practical implications in the classroom. He points out limitations of current models of bilingual education in dealing with the fundamental dilemma of aboriginal schooling – the academic success in the Western school system could seriously undermine Aboriginal identity. The theme of the book is the role of schools in the survival of numerically small cultures. The study aims to act as a catalyst for discussion and debate among everyone involved in Aboriginal education.  less