ABSTRACT
Because relationships are so critical in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, it is essential that teachers build good relationships with students and their families. Indigenous adults in the learning environment (for example, teachers, teacher aides, assistant teachers) can be an invaluable resource for teachers of Indigenous students. Indigenous Australians are the original inhabitants of the Australian continent, and Torres Strait Islanders of the Torres Strait Islands, at the most northern part of Queensland. The term ‘Aboriginal people’ is generally only used for the Indigenous inhabitants of mainland Australia. There are a large variety of tribal groups and languages in Aboriginal Australia and hence a wide diversity in cultural practices. Many practices evolved as a means of survival. Cultural differences in how language is used are mostly about respect and politeness.
