ABSTRACT
This chapter explores First Nations peoples as central in an Australian context. It also explores the concepts of race versus culture, and the problem of relying on racialised constructs to understand culture. The chapter introduces concepts such as multiculturalism and Whiteness. It describes feature activities that provide readers with foundational skills for anti-racist pedagogies. The concept of culture is strongly connected to race. Multiculturalism and diversity are a part of everyday lives of young people in Australia today. The official policy in Australia is multiculturalism. Holding complexity enables teachers ‘to face conflict and other life challenges through collaboration, self-awareness, and flexibility rather than through control and coercion’. Relational practice is not about being popular or ‘cool’. It requires clear professional boundaries and careful consideration of the professional accountabilities and ethical responsibilities inherent in being a figure of authority and influence in the lives of middle-years learners.
