 Education The Forum makes the following clear recommendations in relation to undergraduate, post graduate and ongoing education for indigenous and non-indigenous nurses: Each faculty or school of nursing will establish a curriculum advisory body in relation to the development and implementation of a compulsory component of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in the nursing curriculum, which reflects the diverse nature of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and the effects of colonisation on our health. This body, whose membership is predominantly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: * Will work to develop and collaborate with partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander centres in universities (where they exist). * Will be part of the university's strategic plan in indigenous higher education, in particular promoting / demanding the teaching of indigenous matters by indigenous people. * Will ensure curriculum development and content relates to the Agreement on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health signed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services, ATSIC, the Commonwealth Health Minister and the state and territory health ministers. 1989, Review 1994. In states or territories where an agreement has not been signed, the curriculum advisory body consults with: * indigenous community controlled health services' peak organisation; * the indigenous health unit within the state or territory department; and * local indigenous health organizations. There is endorsement and reflection of recommendations arising from: * National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy, 1989 and Review 1994. * Stolen children inquiry 'Bringing Them Home' * the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody * Expenditures on Health Services for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People. J Deeble, C Mathers, L Smith, J Goss, R Webb & V Smith. May 1998. There is compulsory placement for all nursing students in an indigenous community or indigenous community health organisation, carefully and thoroughly arranged with each participating community. Practical experience undertaken in undergraduate and post graduate nursing education must be in a meaningful and realistic combination of community and hospital settings. There is continuous mentorship for indigenous students. There is targeting and filling of places in all levels of nursing by indigenous people. Creation of career structures recognising experience and knowledge in indigenous health and community issues. Acknowledgment and consideration will be given to prior learning. Specific bridging courses shall be developed in line with the needs of indigenous students and prospective students for entry into nursing courses, rather then generic bridging courses. 
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