Information for teachers
Build meaningful relationships with local community members.
Consultation
It is essential you connect with your local Aboriginal community and develop a relationship before delivering this learning. Their local knowledge, expertise and cultural protocol is valuable and should be utilised.
It is particularly important to consult with and involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in all decisions affecting their cultural heritage. This includes representing and using their history, community, stories and interviews, lives and families and cultural and intellectual property.
During consultation, include the risks and benefits of wider dissemination of cultural material, as certain information or images may be unsuitable for circulation.
Ensure you consult in a thorough, accessible way and use culturally appropriate language.
Key contacts for Aboriginal collaboration and advice
Contact your local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG) for advice. The AECG is the peak advisory body for the Department of Education. Locate the regional or local committee at the AECG website to support your school.
The Aboriginal education and communities team may also be able to provide further advice and support.
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council is the State’s peak representative body in Aboriginal Affairs. Please contact your local Aboriginal Land Council if available.
The Aboriginal Heritage Office can provide information about Aboriginal culture and sites of particular areas.
Other local Aboriginal organisations. For example: local Elder's group, community organisations.
Collaboration idea
Invite local community members for a "yarn and cuppa" and ensure your school is a safe cultural space.
NSW Syllabus and Australian curriculum links
Stage 2
HT2-2 describes and explains how significant individuals, groups and events contributed to changes in the local community over time
HT2-5 applies skills of historical inquiry and communication
Stage 3
HT3-2 describes and explains different experiences of people living in Australia over time
HT3-5 applies a variety of skills of historical inquiry and communication
The importance of Country/Place to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples who belong to a local area (ACHASSK062)
liasing with Community to identify original language groups of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Peoples who belong to the local area and exploring the relationship between language, Country/Place and spirituality. (This is intended to be a local area study with a focus on one language group; however, if information or sources are not readily available, another representative area may be studied.)
listening to Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Elders, grandparents and older community members tell stories associated with the local language groups and the land they belong to
discussing when to use ‘Acknowledgement of Country’ and ‘Welcome to Country’ at ceremonies and events to respectfully recognise the Country/Place and traditional custodians of the land, sea, waterways and sky
General capabilities
Critical and creative thinking
Intercultural understanding
Personal and social capability
Cross-curriculum priorities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
Additional resources
Suggested teacher resources to support unit
This is a comprehensive activity put together by the Australian Curriculum Studies Association (ACSA) that encourages students to develop a respect for, and understanding of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols used in the community, including Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome to Country.
https://www.acsa.edu.au/pages/images/ideas_acknowledgement.pdf
Suggested fictional texts
Collecting Colour by Dunstan, Kylie ISBN: 9780734411181
Australian insights into Aboriginal experiences in Australia
Why I love Australia by Bancroft, Bronwyn ISBN: 9781760125127
Rich text using images and words to celebrate the Australian continent
How The First Children Learnt To Surf by Morecroft, Judith and Bancroft, Bronwyn ISBN 10: 1921272023
Picture book with insights into Aboriginal experiences in Australia
Stradbroke Dreamtime by Noonuccal, Oodgeroo ISBN: 9780207198656
Insights into Aboriginal experiences in Australia
Where the Forest Meets the Sea by Baker, Jeanie ISBN: 9780744513059
Insights into Aboriginal experiences in Australia Aspects of environmental and social sustainability
Shake A Leg by Boori Monty Pryor ISBN: 9781741758900
Picture book with celebration, sharing culture and the power of story and dance
Recommended websites
Narragunnawali
Sign up for free to access curriculum resources to support teacher to implement reconciliation initiatives.
https://www.narragunnawali.org.au/
Little J & Big Cuz resources for primary schools
Acknowledgements
This resource has been developed by a collaborative team of writers to support the department's Rural and Remote Blueprint for Action.
Collaborators:
Anthony Galluzzo, Aboriginal Education Engagement K-6 Advisor
Dave Lardner, Aboriginal Education & Engagement Officer, School Services Macquarie Park
Katie Clulow, Aboriginal Education and Wellbeing Officer, Gosford Office, Macquarie Park Operational Directorate
Anne Southwell, HSIE (History and Geography) curriculum advisor, Learning and Teaching Directorate, Sydney
Briar Ang, Learning Design Officer, Learning Systems Directorate, Sydney
Melanie Lopes, Learning Design Officer, Learning Systems Directorate, Sydney