As part of their Encounters 2020 program, the National Maritime Museum has developed a range of teacher resources to support students in gaining a deeper understanding of Australia’s history from dual perspectives. Here are several of the resources which explore First Nations connection with the sea.
Connections with the Sea: First Nations
Indigenous watercraft: a continent of diversity
Environmental change: custodianship
This resource provides a succinct overview of the significance of water to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It also provides lesson plans for both primary and secondary students that explore First Nations peoples connections with water.
This webpage shares a range of artefacts and research findings from Dr Val Attenbrow’s ‘Port Jackson Archaeology Project’. It provides an insight into the rich and complex culture of Aboriginal people in the Port Jackson region.
This webpage explores the history and values of Aboriginal fishing on the south coast. It also addresses the barriers Aboriginal people are facing in trying to access and fish culturally significant areas and what effects this can cause.
This resource includes extensive lesson plans for learning stages from K-10. This resource has been curated on Noongar Country for the Western Australian curriculum, so some aspects may need to be modified to suit NSW contexts.
This resource will broaden student understanding and respect of Aboriginal culture and its connectiosn to water, spirituality and Dreamtimes. It includes in-class incursions, multimedia activities and teaching tools. It includes the following:
Water in Aboriginal culture incursion.
An online workshop you can book for students to learn from the Aboriginal education officer as they discuss 60,000 year old water management and conservation practises.
Walk with the Waugal 360 experience.
An immersive website that is designed to give you a glimpse into Whadjuk Noongar stories. Includes videos, 360 degree imagery and story telling.
Comprehension sheets and lesson plans are provided for the Walk with the Waugal 360 experience. Access all lesson plans and materials here.
Additional and comprehensive learning plans that centre the importance of water for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are available here, and tailored for learning stages K-10.
This 5-part series developed by the ABC explores freshwater systems across Australia. It highlights the deep understanding First Nations peoples have of water systems.
This 11-part series explores the history and culture of First Nations communities along the east coast of Australia.
Lake Burmeer: The Women’s Lake
Mungurru the Rock Python and Waalumbal Birri
Kuaraeg/Gudang Yadhaykenu on Possession Island)
A series of short videos captures Aboriginal women share their stories, knowledge and perspectives on protecting and nurturing the river system that sustains us all.
ABC Education video Uncle Bruce Pascoe describes First Nations fishing engineering through the video “Aquaculture Machine’
ABC Education video Uncle Bruce Pascoe describes how Aboriginal people harvested eels by creating channels and eel traps to farm the eels and create an industry through preservation of eels and used them for trade.
Yarramundi and the people of Dyarubbin
ABC’s The History Listen’ shares this rich resource of Yarramundi and the people of Dyarubbin. This audio recording shares the perspectives of Darug knowledge holders as they explain the significance and connection with this special place known as Dyarubbin (Hawkesbury River).
Where’s Our Water? was written by Aboriginal students from Newcastle High School in partnership with Hunter Water as part of the Water Story Project. Students worked collaboratively with Muloobinbah Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group and the University of Newcastle to create a story of water conservation for young readers. Read more about this project and the story here.
A rich resource for teachers with links to further resources covering topics in Aboriginal science and astronomy. It provides a platform for teachers and educators to consider how to effectively embed important ideas around reconciliation, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions, within the specific subject/learning area of Science.
The concept of terra nullius was challenged by Eddie Mabo, a Torres Strait Islander activist, who used astronomical knowledge of the Torres Strait Islander peoples to provide tangible evidence of their firm connection to their Land.
A comprehensive website featuring resources on Aboriginal astronomy provided by researchers from around Australia. There are also 14 teaching units created for the National Curriculum.
Resource material compiled by astrophysicist Professor Ray Norris for his book, Emu Dreaming. The site contains links to his book, poster and a myriad of research papers, images and information accrued through Prof. Norris’ work. Although the site is older now, it is a valuable accompaniment to his book.
A detailed resource exploring the relationship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have with weather patterns and seasons.
Kids Encyclopedia Facts on Aboriginal astronomy and objects including the Sun, the Moon, constellations, Orion, Pleiades and the Emu with related links.
A brief guide to Aboriginal astronomy featuring an interview with astrophysicist Professor Ray Norris.
Poster of the Emu constellation without the emu shape overlay (You can see the emu shape in the darkness between the stars).
A factsheet outlining the differences between European and Aboriginal astronomy, and featuring specific Aboriginal constellations.
Featuring a brief interview with Aboriginal astronomy experts William (Willy) Stevens and Robert Fuller.
Articles and podcasts on Aboriginal Astronomy.
A research article focusing on Torres Strait astronomy and traditions.
The Elvina Bay Track engraving site in the Kuringai National Park is probably best known for a design known as the Great Emu In The Sky, an image that mirrors a pattern of dark nebulous expanses that cross the Milky Way.
Before Galileo, ABC Message Stick Episode, featuring Yidumduma Bill Harney. This program from 2009 looks at the ways in which western science intersects with Aboriginal Cosmology, leading us to a deeper understanding of the night sky, gained by learning the practical pointers of the constellations and the guiding spirits that occupy the dark nebulae in between.
Duration: 25:50 minutes
Featuring an Aboriginal site that pre-dates Stonehenge by 7000 years. Dispels the myth that Australian Aboriginal people were hunter gatherers.
Duration: 5:30 minutes
This video covers the Wurdi Youang stone arrangements, 3 Canoes, Emu constellations and the Dreamtime story behind them.
Duration: 3:15 minutes
An in depth interview with Aboriginal astrophysicist and cultural astronomer Karlie Noon.
Duration: 9 minutes
This TED talk features Aboriginal astrophysicist and cultural astronomer Kirsten Banks talking about galaxies and Aboriginal constellations.
Duration: 11:40 minutes
Brief video of some Aboriginal constellations.
Duration: 1:09 minutes
Highlights from a lecture and interview with Dr Duane Hamacher from the Monash Indigenous Studies Centre, recorded at the Royal Society of Victoria in February 2018.
Duration: 10:16 minutes
This video details 5 Indigenous stories, and briefly explains the ways people used the sky to illustrate Dreamtime stories and myths in language appropriate for Stage 1 students and up.
Duration: 6:23 minutes
This article contains an excerpt from the beginning of Bruce Pascoe’s Dark Emu. Pascoe’s award-winning book provides compelling evidence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land management systems pre-colonization.
A calendar developed by the Banbai nation people at Wattleridge Indigenous Protected Area in northern New South Wales. The Indigenous-knowledge informed calendar presents annual seasonal changes as well as indications of the right, and wrong, time to burn.
The concept of terra nullius was challenged by Eddie Mabo, a Torres Strait Islander activist, who used astronomical knowledge of the Torres Strait Islander peoples to provide tangible evidence of their firm connection to their Land.
A video education resource about the Bardi Jawi Rangers looking after their Country on the Dampier Penninsula in the West Kimberley.
Uncle Lex talks about a research collective named ‘Yanama budyari gumada’, which means to ‘walk with good spirit’ in Darug language. The research collective is about involving Darug custodians, students and researchers in caring as Country practices.
Resources to support an incursion or excursion, for students learn about the historical and cultural significance of the Country on which their school is situated, and about other culturally significant sites in their local area.
Resources to support an incursion or excursion, for students learn about the historical and cultural significance of the Country on which their school is situated, and about other culturally significant sites in their local area. Dreaming About Country An ABC Open Lesson plan for secondary students in visual arts.
Find out about Connecting to Country an Aboriginal cultural awareness programme for teachers. Learn how to best engage directly with Aboriginal Australians at the local community level.
Tyson Mowarin’s documentary examines what connection to Country means to the Aboriginal Elders fighting to preserve the ancient rock art sites in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, from the mining industry boom.
An important 500 year old rock art site in Northern NSW has been found to be irreversibly damaged from the bushfires. Anaiwan community members are keen to continue cultural practices to protect their Land from future devastating fires.
Learn about Adam Goodes’s story through these five videos with an overview of each video, questions, and teacher’s resource.
This documentary is about Charles Perkins and university students journey on confronting racial segregation and discrimination.
This is a short and accessible 15 minute documentary provided by ABC Education that provides a foundational insight into how Indigenous rights evolved from the 1967 Referendum. Many, like the Black Power activists, believed the referendum didn’t go far enough, especially in relation to land rights, and their causes gained prominence in the 1970s. Find out about some of their activities, including the landmark Mabo decision in the 1990s and the formation of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.
This article goes into depth about one of the major events which exposed intentional discriminatory practices, involving the Freedom Rides.
This activity utilises a range of map representations to engage students in thinking about the languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Marrin Gamu is a song and educational resource that has been created to introduce Australians to the diversity and beauty of Australia’s hundreds of first languages.There are two ways for students to participate in Marrin Gamu, either as part of an existing Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island language program, or as a mainstream classroom activity.
Meet ambassadors, Dr Anita Heiss and Magnolia Maymuru as they share their stories of strength and resilience as well as what makes them they feel empowered.
Brings you diverse and vibrant Aboriginal arts and culture from across Australia and the best from Indigenous radio broadcasters around the world.
Awaye! presents six Aboriginal dreaming stories. These stories are told to children to teach them about their ancestors, the spirit world and their place in that world.
Dust Echoes is a series of twelve beautifully animated Dreamtime stories from Central Arnhem Land, telling stories of love, loyalty, duty to country and Aboriginal custom and law.
Find out the local languages in your area.
Listen to Bangara dancers tell their stories
Sharing Australia’s First Languages; Over 80 short films in language. From Open ABC.
Keeping Indigenous languages Alive – The Feed
Sharing the diverse languages of black Australia from Anmatyerre to Arrernte, from Bidjara to Bundjalung, from Nyungar to Ngaanyatjarra, from Yankunytjatjara to Yorta Yorta—one word at a time.
A concise list of Aboriginal artists, musicians, writers and more.
Reawakening our local Language: Dunghutti lessons at Amaroo
Getting Indigenous Voices into the classroom
Guardian Article:Dark Emu the dance show: a chance to ‘look at Australia with fresh eyes’:
Prime 7 News: Catwalk Queen; A Moree-born, Tamworth-based Aboriginal fashion designer, Colleen Tighe Johnson, is making a name for herself on the international stage.
ABC News: Living with the locals: Six extraordinary first contact stories of friendship and survival
The Aboriginal Language Map attempts to represent all of the language or tribal or nation groups of Indigenous people of Australia.
Connect with your Local Council and find out what information they have about local Aboriginal heritage, events and groups
There are 120 Local Aboriginal Land Councils in NSW divided into nine regions. Find your local Aboriginal Land Council.
Contact your local NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group representatives and get advice on connecting with the local Aboriginal communities.
The 27th of May marks the beginning of Reconciliation Week and the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. National Reconciliation Week is an opportunity for all Australians to better understand our true history, learn about our shared cultures and achievements and explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
Reconciliation Week 2022’s theme Be Brave. Make Change. is challenge to all Australians to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
Here are three actions you can take to contribute to reconciliation in Australia.
1. Watch
Watch Children’s Ground’s virtual conversation, Reconciliation: An Issue White Australia Must Solve, with Professor Sarah Maddison, Shane Howard and Sophie Trevitt. Join our panel of inspiring academics, artists and advocates to discuss the work to be undertaken by non-First Nations people to progress the Reconciliation journey. Register here
2. Learn
The 27th of May, 2022, is the 55th anniversary of the 1967 Referendum. On this historic day, Australians voted overwhelmingly to amend the Constitution to allow the Australian Government to make laws for Aboriginal people and include them in the census. Learn these five facts about the 1967 Referendum and share with your friends.
3. Donate
Make a tax-deductible donation to support First Nations people leading change for their children. Children’s Ground is working tirelessly to transform the future for our children. We are designing, delivering, and implementing an education system where First Nations children will succeed, bringing early years education to children who have not had it before, and protecting First Language and culture. Reconciliation must be about more than words – it has to be action, justice and change. Your tax-deductible donation will help create change in communities that need it the most. Donate here
Use Narragunnawali’s professional learning resources to build staff awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contributions. The activities suggested in the resources are designed to be teacher-led and can be used individually, in small groups or during staff meetings.
Training modules to develop teacher confidence, knowledge and culturally appropriate skills in delivering programs about Indigenous cultures, histories and contemporary contexts.
A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a formal statement of commitment to reconciliation. A school can develop a RAP to register existing initiatives or to begin a new journey.
NSW has 24 local reconciliation groups. These are volunteers who work together to create opportunities and events to promote reconciliation in their community.
The timeline traces the history of citizenship and rights for indigenous people in Australia from pre-1770 to 1997.
A timeline that summarises the Indigenous rights movement from 1901 to 2010.
The National Museum of Australia’s overview of the land and human rights struggles of Indigenous Australians.
This series chronicles the birth of a country and the collision of two worlds.
This site gives a comprehensive introduction to the diversity of Indigenous Australia.
This website provides an entry-point to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history, written from an Indigenous perspective. The website contains mini essays, teaching notes and other resources.
This incredible interactive website enables students to access wordlist and other resources in the Aboriginal language of their chosen area.
The fortnightly Indigenous national paper.
Succinct questions and helpful answers on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their rights and issues.
A collection of resources that covers topics including Australian history, racism, rights and the Stolen Generation.
Classroom activities and videos that on Indigenous characters, and historical events linked to Indigenous affairs, government policy and public attitudes.
A free resource to assist your school to implement Aboriginal pedagogies.
A fantastic resource providing histories of people, places and events in the City of Sydney local government area that are associated with the histories of Sydney’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Constantly updating resources from ABC Education on a wide array of topics regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures. Most featured activities include lesson plans, learning outcomes and age range suitability.
Behind the News broadcasts news for upper primary and lower secondary students, helping them understand issues and events outside their own lives. The topic area Indigenous Culture explores an array of issues and news that is easy to understand for students in these stages, including topics about history, culture, news , art, protests and events.
Many of these resources and activities have been developed in consultation with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) to ensure that the program meets NSW curriculum outcomes for Stages 3, 4 & 5.
Reconciliation NSW aims to create a reconciled, just and equitable community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. We work to inform, support and inspire people to engage in reconciliation.
E: schools@reconciliationnsw.org.au
T: 02 8095 9600
Ground Floor 27 Cope St Redfern 2016
