The National Indigenous Youth Education Coalition (NIYEC) is a First Nations youth-led group that advocates for fair and self-determined education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people. Their latest report, The School Exclusion Project, examines how school exclusion practices in Australia have created unfair challenges for First Nations children and students. The report explains how, since the 1800s, schools have used tactics like racist policies, suspensions and expulsions to exclude Indigenous students. Even though there have been legal changes, these practices continue to affect First Nations students unfairly. The report aims to inform the public and inspire schools to adopt practices that support cultural safety and self-determined education. 

Recently, NIYEC held the Dream Summit, a big event to bring Indigenous youth together with leaders and educators to discuss critical educational changes. During the summit, young people shared their experiences of exclusion and resilience. Discussions focused on the need for culturally respectful policies, ending exclusionary discipline practices, and having more First Nations leaders in schools. The goal was to imagine a better educational future that respects and uplifts Indigenous students. 

The Dream Summit showed NIYEC’s commitment to changing how people think about Indigenous education. The Summit promoted moving away from blaming students and communities for educational inequalities and addressing structural discrimination in the education system. The School Exclusion Project calls on policymakers and educators to review exclusion policies, increase openness about disciplinary practices, and work with Indigenous communities to build an education system that supports all students. 

Read the full report or visit the website to learn more about these challenges and the solutions NIYEC supports. Supporting their work can help create a fairer, more inclusive education system for First Nations students and all young Australians.