In My Blood It Runs

In My Blood It Runs is a film which explores the relationship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people have with the Australian education system.

It follows Dujuan Hoosan and his family during his time at primary school in Mparntwe (Alice Springs). Dujuan is a delightful Arrernte boy who takes immense pride in his heritage. He knows three languages, is a Ngangkere (a traditional healer), loves going out bush, and is eager to learn more about his culture from his family. At the beginning of the film, he is attending school regularly. However, Dujuan experiences a number of encounters at school in which his culture and worldview are invalidated – from being taught about the arrival of the First Fleet from a solely European perspective, to a teacher mocking the concept of the Dreaming. Consequently, Dujuan becomes disengaged with school and becomes very close to contacting the justice system.

Ultimately, Dujuan moves back on country with his father, which in itself helps him to become re-engaged with school. Dujuan is now a strong advocate for Indigenous youth, even having spoken to the United Nations on the importance of First Nations led education and of keeping Indigenous children away from the justice system. 

The film highlights how the Australian education system often does not celebrate the strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and how aspects of it can actively disempower them. It also highlights that by doing so, the Australian education system often funnels Indigenous children towards the justice system – an institution that often perpetuates further harm and suffering for Indigenous people.

While the film doesn’t have all the answers, it suggests that certain changes are required for the Australian education system to nurture Indigenous young people – including the need for the true history of Australia to be taught; for aspects of the education system to be First Nations led; and for culture and language to be adequately embedded within the education system. It also highlights the importance of education beyond the classroom – that which is done by families in order to sustain knowledge of culture and language across generations.

Overall, In My Blood It Runs is a difficult but important watch. It’s crucial that decision makers listen to the messages presented in this film, so that the education system can be changed to better meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

In My Blood It Runs is available to watch on our streaming movie service Kanopy, free with your library membership.

Jemma