"Look out, I'm gettin' edjamakated brother!" : the second chance education journey of indigenous women

Despite what sometimes seem insurmountable odds, many mature aged Indigenous women return to and succeed in the second chance education journey. Some of these women overcome adverse life chances and negative past education experiences. After summoning the courage to return, they are confronted with experiences which range from the destructive force of overt and covert racism to the hurtful force of the ‘tall poppy syndrome’. It is through the voices of these women, that we as educators and researchers are privileged to begin to appreciate the difficulties and challenges, as well as triumphs and successes, associated with the return to a formal Western education setting. This paper highlights the stories of two of the most remarkable women I have had the pleasure to interview. These are stories of courage and persistence which are interwoven with poignant examples of tears and laughter, stories to inspire us all.