Policy and practices: Indigenous voices in education

This paper presents some aspects of Indigenous mathematics in order to establish its value for Indigenous people and their education. It also points out the value of research into Indigenous mathematics to strengthen mathematics education in general. In addition, it is argued that school systems must recognise this cultural mathematics and teachers need to establish dialogue with communities, especially Elders, in order to provide a socially just education for Indigenous students. Several recent policy recommendations are provided as examples with these intentions but there is still much more to be done to provide adequately for Indigenous mathematics education. One aspect needing development is the making of links between culture and school mathematics in order to maintain and develop a richer mathematics. Several examples are provided.