Independent Aboriginal schools do not have the economic base or political power to support their own schools, as do other independent schools. They are far more dependent upon government finance and resources and much more vulnerable to the forces of non-Aboriginal people. It is important that funding and expertise be made available to support and develop independent schools. Communities seeking to explore new possibilities need to be supported and encouraged but also offered the range of options which are available. With the increase of movement of Aboriginal communities to outstations it is becoming even more critical that Aboriginal people be able to choose the education they want for their children and for themselves.
Independent schools are important resources for Aboriginal communities.
With control over their own schools Aboriginal people can set the direction they wish to take in regard to their own learning and training. They are also important resources for the non-Aboriginal community as they offer an alternative to the meaning of learning and being educated in Australia.