"Treaty '18" – Yothu Yindi

About the song:
This is a modern remix of the famous 1991 song “Treaty” by Yothu Yindi, a band made up of Yolngu (Aboriginal) and balanda (non-Aboriginal) musicians. The original song was one of the first times an Aboriginal message became popular across Australia.

Connection to Reconciliation:
It’s a powerful call for a treaty between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Australian Government — a formal agreement that recognises First Nations rights and sovereignty.
It teaches us that truth-telling, justice, and listening to Indigenous voices are vital for real reconciliation.

Follow-up:

• Class discussion: What is a treaty? Why do you think the song repeats the word “treaty” so many times?
  
  

• Poster design: Create a “What Treaty Means to Me” poster with words and pictures showing fairness, listening, and respect.

"Gathu Mawula" – Gurrumul

About the song:
Gurrumul Yunupingu was a Yolngu man with a beautiful voice who sang in his traditional language. “Gathu Mawula” is a gentle and powerful song that tells a story about family and spirit, sung in Yolngu Matha (his Aboriginal language).

Connection to Reconciliation:
This song shows us how important it is to respect and protect Indigenous languages and stories. Even if we don’t understand the words, we can feel the emotion and power. It reminds us that language and culture are at the heart of identity, and reconciliation means helping to keep them strong.

Follow-up:

• Draw what you hear: Ask students to close their eyes while listening, then draw what they imagine – land, spirit, animals, or family.
  
  

• Language appreciation: Show where Yolngu Matha is spoken on a map and talk about why Aboriginal languages are important.

"A Change is Gonna Come" – Stan Walker

About the song:
This is a cover of a civil rights song from America, sung here by Stan Walker, a Māori Australian artist. It’s about hope, struggle, and believing in a better future where everyone is treated fairly.

Connection to Reconciliation:
It gives a message of hope for change — something that’s also needed in Australia as we work toward reconciliation. It connects to the feelings of the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have faced injustice, while also pointing toward a more hopeful, united future.

Follow-up:

• Compare and connect: What does this song have in common with what we’re learning about reconciliation? What “change” do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hope for?
  
  

• Movement activity: Use the song as background music during a mindful walk or reflection circle.

"From Little Things, Big Things Grow" – Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody

About the song:
This song tells the true story of Vincent Lingiari, an Aboriginal man who led the Wave Hill Walk-Off in 1966. He and his people protested for fair pay and land rights. Years later, their efforts led to a major land rights victory.

Connection to Reconciliation:
The song is a true story of courage, justice, and never giving up. It teaches us that even small actions can grow into big changes — just like reconciliation. It’s about standing up for what’s right and honouring the leaders who helped change Australia for the better.

Follow-up:

• Story timeline: Create a simple timeline of Vincent Lingiari and the Wave Hill Walk-Off.
  
  

• Small action pledge: Students write one small action they can take to promote fairness (e.g., being inclusive, speaking kindly, learning more about Aboriginal culture).

Sanshi from Didgeridoo Dojo introduces viewers to the didgeridoo, a traditional musical instrument of the Aboriginal peoples of northern Australia. 

The didgeridoo is not just a musical instrument; it's a vital part of Aboriginal heritage and storytelling. Playing and listening to the didgeridoo helps us appreciate and respect the rich cultural traditions of Australia's First Peoples. 

This colouring activity helps students celebrate and reflect on the meaning of National Reconciliation Week through art. The design usually features Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander symbols, patterns, and themes such as:

• People coming together

• Country (land, water, and sky)

• Connection, community, and belonging

• Respect for culture and truth-telling

You are invited to use this prayer for National Reconciliation Week. 

The prayer includes a short centering and some breathing exercises.

You can access the prayer by clicking on the photo or here.