The Aboriginal inclusion interview was conducted with Vanessa, the child’s mother. Qualifying questions were asked to determine the applicant’s competence in supporting and engaging the child with the Aboriginal community. The applicant talked about participation in Aboriginal networks, affirmation of the child’s Aboriginal identity, and the child’s understanding of family ties. The woman was also asked about the child’s current use of social services and those that the child would need in the future. The applicant demonstrated a confident command of the necessary information and responded fully to the questions during the interaction.
Based on the information Vanessa provided, she is able to ensure that the child is exposed correctly to Aboriginal roots. Although the child’s Aboriginal identity has not been officially documented, his Aboriginal roots originate in Bundjalung. Vanessa currently resides in Awabakal land, which borders the country of Darkinjung, where the child was born. This location allows Vanessa to keep the child close to his birthplace and strengthen his Aboriginal connections.
Vanessa’s participation in the Aboriginal community is fulfilling. She actively participates in Aboriginal celebrations and has extensive knowledge of history and culture. The applicant fully understands and appreciates the child’s belonging to a particular community and is prepared to engage the child in it actively. Vanessa has demonstrated a basic knowledge of services that can provide services to an Aboriginal child and will use them.
In the future, Vanessa can involve the child in the celebration of community festivals and teach the child about history and culture. In addition, she will also help the child connect with other Aboriginal children, enabling them to become more aware of their belonging to the community. Based on all of the above, the applicant can take on the responsibility of introducing the child to the Aboriginal community and be successful in her responsibilities.