How is kinship linked to identity and culture in Indigenous families?
Such a concept as kinship plays an important role in the culture and identity of Indigenous families. In this context, the term can be understood as the relationships that are developed through the lines of descent or marriage. As a rule, this concept is used to describe blood relatives. One should keep in mind that Indigenous people usually prefer to live in extended families because they want to stay close to their blood relatives. Furthermore, the extended family can shape the values, attitudes, and norms of a child.
What are the implications of Indigenous views of family when working in early childhood services?
There are several implications that should be considered by people working in child care services. First of all, indigenous parents want their children to learn about the culture and history of their ancestors, and these topics should be included in the curriculum. Apart from that, grandparents and members of extended family take an active part in the education of a child (Mildon & Polimeni, 2012, p. 2). This is one of the main points that social workers and teachers should keep in mind. Therefore, one can argue that it is not permissible to take a child away from his/her family. This argument is particularly relevant to the Lost Generation or children who could not grow up in the indigenous communities.
What are the implications of Indigenous views of family for building on children’s prior knowledge when they begin school?
Close attention should be paid to the start of formal education. The children of indigenous people are more likely to succeed provided that they can interact with indigenous teachers, who are familiar with the local culture (Bowes et al, 2011). Apart from that, non-indigenous teachers should understand the nature of family relations within this population (Bowes et al, 2011). Finally, teachers should engage parents in the education of their children. These are some of the main recommendations that can be offered.
On the whole, the understanding of these questions is vital for understanding the challenges encountered by indigenous people and their children who can be separated from their native culture and extended family.
Conclusion
In indigenous cultures, the people should not be separated from the close and distant relatives. Moreover, they should have an opportunity to learn more about the customs and traditions of their ancestors (Kitson & Bowes, 2010). This discussion is quite justified because social workers and parents should know how the representatives of various cultures approach child rearing.
Additionally, the separation between parents and children is very widespread in indigenous populations. Yet, social workers should bear in mind that this separation can have long-term implications for these children, especially their socialization and academic performance (Walter & Hewitt, 2012). This knowledge is important for people who study Australian families, especially if they investigate the causes of various inequalities existing in the society. This is one of the main arguments that can be made.
Overall, kinship ties are important for understanding the development of identity in indigenous populations. One should understand that these people focus on the role of extended family in the education of a child and the formation of traditional values such as respect for the elders. Social workers and teachers should know about these issues in order to support the indigenous population.
Reference List
Bowes, J., Kitson, R., Simpson, T., Reid, J., Smith, M., Downey, B., & Pearce, S.
(2011). Child Care Choices of Indigenous Families. Report to the NSW Department of Human Services. Web.
Kitson, R., & Bowes, J. (2010). Incorporating Indigenous ways of knowing into early years education for Indigenous children. Australian Journal of Early Childhood, 35 (4), 81-89.
Mildon, R., & Polimeni, M. (2012). Parenting in the early years: effectiveness of parenting support programs for Indigenous families. Melbourne: Australian Institute of Family Studies.
Walter, M. & Hewitt, B. (2012). Post-separation parenting and indigenous families. Family Matters, 91 (4), 83-91.