Indigenous Studies

Elective Unit

Unit Description

This is a great subject for anyone that is interested in Indigenous culture and issues. If you are intending to apply to go to Robinson River, it is recommended that you take this course.

The Indigenous 8 Ways of learning pedagogical framework underpins the learning that happens in Indigenous Studies.

1. Connect through shared stories.
2. Picture/map our pathways of knowledge.
3. See, think, act, make and share without words.
4. Share knowledge with art and objects.
5. Work with lessons from land and nature.
6. Put different ideas together and create new knowledge.
7. Work from wholes to parts, watching and then doing.
8. Bring new knowledge to share.

 

There are four strands of investigation encompassed in Indigenous Studies.

My Story- Stories define us, shape us, control us, and make us. Every single culture tells stories. Stories create magic and a sense of wonder at the world. Stories teach us about life, about ourselves and about others. Storytelling is a unique way to develop an understanding, respect and appreciation for other cultures, and can promote a positive attitude to people from different backgrounds. 

First Peoples- Indigenous peoples, also known as first peoples, aboriginal peoples or native peoples, are ethnic groups who are descended from and identify with the original inhabitants of a given region, in contrast to groups that have settled, occupied or colonized the area more recently. Australia is made up of many different and distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups, each with their own culture, language, beliefs and practices.

Indigenous Australia- The richness and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia is something we should all take pride in as a nation. Learning more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is important for moving forward and for all Australians to share in our national identity. It means understanding the past and looking to the future.

Solutions- It is important for us to develop a better understanding of Australian Indigenous history, culture and stories so that we are able to discover our place towards reconciliation. At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians.

Assessment

My Story

• write, create and share your story (digital storybook) about what makes you you.
• identify and discuss symbols that are important to you and others.
• teach others the importance of Australian Indigenous story telling by sharing the messages portrayed in picture story books about Indigenous Australia culture & history.

Issues Assignment (Group Task)

Choose an area of interest (indigenous issue) 

As a group create a class presentation outlining the issue you are exploring;

• Why is it an issue?
• What is currently being done to resolve the issue?
• What can we do to address the issue?