Indigenous Education Foundation
Supporting Indigenous-led cultural and ecological education programs
To achieve our mission we focus on three pillars of education:
Language
Culture
Ecology
Join IEF in supporting Indigenous-led education programs strengthening connection to language,
culture & ecology
Join IEF in supporting Indigenous-led education programs strengthening connection to language, culture & ecology
Impact Stories
Rooted in Tradition, Rising with Purpose: The Mentawai Cultural Arts & Education Centre
In the heart of the Mentawai Islands, off the west coast of Sumatra, a long-held dream is beginning to take physical shape. After more than 15 years of dedicated grassroots work, the Suku Mentawai team has reached a powerful milestone: the realisation of a permanent space for cultural arts, education and community connection.
A struggle to keep the Dayak flame alive in Borneo
For many generations, our people have practiced manugal – a traditional method of burning land to plant rice. Manugal is an integral part of Dayak culture and knowledge. Our people knew when it was appropriate to burn the land, ensuring the fire did not spread to other areas.
Celebrating Indigenous connections across the Asia-Pacific through the power of storytelling
One facet of IEF’s mission is to support Indigenous peoples across the Asia-Pacific to build robust networks between different Indigenous groups. KIIFF is one such intersect where our partner organisations, Ranu Welum and YPBM, are building connections and advancing collective efforts in advocating for Indigenous rights amongst their communities and beyond.
Our Commitment
Projects and education programs supported by IEF are designed and implemented by Indigenous Peoples themselves, in such a way that each program fosters full respect for Indigenous Peoples and their members’ identity, dignity, human rights, and cultural identity. IEF believes that by being Indigenous initiated and led, communities do not suffer adverse effects during the engagement process. From this starting point, social and economic benefits may be attained.
IEF ensures that all its programs are based on the full and effective participation of Indigenous Peoples during all phases of the project and campaigns, including the identification, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all project activities.
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Indigenous Perspectives
Future leader finding voice through indigenous education
The power of indigenous and modern education: It is often said that if you pursue an indigenous education you must forego a modern education, and it is also said that if you pursue a modern education you risk being educated out of your indigenous culture and identity. Read Martison Siritoitet’s story about how he was educated into his culture and avoided being educated out of it when he pursued an education at a modern university far away from his family and community in the Mentawai isles:
In 2019, Martison was invited to represent indigenous Mentawai youth and share story of his culture at the Indigenous Film Festival in Bali. In the 3 months leading up, Martison produced a short film focused on their Mentawai cultural learning hub program, which was screened at the festival.
Building proud and resilient communities
IEF supports the 2030 UN
Sustainable Development Goals
and Declaration on the Rights
of Indigenous Peoples.
ACN: 168 130 096
ABN: 57 168 130 096