NCJ Number
194145
Date Published
October 2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a training program for Australian Aboriginal people that will prepare them to develop and operate a dispute resolution program in their communities that will assist in preventing incarceration.
Abstract
The aim of the project was to develop a culturally sensitive and appropriate training package that can be used in community-based dispute resolution practitioner training for Aboriginal people in New South Wales, based on the past work of the researcher, the literature research, and research with three New South Wales Aboriginal community-based networks. The ultimate goal of the training is to establish a program of dispute resolution that will empower Aboriginal people to exercise their right of self-determination in their communities and groups in ways that reflect local Aboriginal philosophy, values, and experience. Accordingly, the program is directly accountable and practically tied to the aims of Aboriginal communities. Under a participatory action research methodology, 30 participants have received 35 hours of instruction in basic community dispute resolution. Ten hours of this time was dedicated to the revision and discussion of any changes these participants viewed as appropriate for their particular community and individual learning requirements. Participant and Elder evaluations allowed direct feedback to the researcher on how effective the conversation had been for participants' learning. The project will not be completed until 1 year from now. The process of development and implementation, however, has reflected the aim of forging a curriculum and a process that dignifies and empowers Aboriginal people in the management of their lives and communities in accordance with community values and traditions. 25 references