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

https://www.littlejandbigcuz.com.au/resources

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