Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum:
A resource guide
Five Steps to Educate for Justice, Truth and Reconciliation in your school (PDF)
Sue Smith, Indigenous Education Adviser to schools in Victoria and Tasmania
Reconciling the truth of both’ black ‘and ‘white ‘histories of this country is an inextricable part of the journey towards reconciliation between the wider Australian population and Indigenous Australians. Teachers of humanities subjects hold a pivotal role in this process. Incorporating Indigenous experiences into the teaching of Australian history balances the picture to include all Australians and, importantly now, provides the context for informed discussion of issues of land,justice and equity that must be resolved locally and nationally if reconciliation is to be achieved.
Indigenous knowledge and the curriculum
New South Wales Department of Education and Training
A collection of articles, Internet links and documents regarding the incorporation of Indigenous knowledge into school curriculum.
Reflections on getting started with Koorie perspectives across the curriculum (PDF)
Faith Irving, Lyndale PS
Students at Lyndale PS come from many different cultural backgrounds and children are encouraged to take pride in their own heritages while learning about the cultures of others in an atmosphere of mutual respect. The school wanted to develop aspects of the curriculum to help non-Indigenous children to learn
about the first culture of Australia in meaningful, relevant and accurate ways, while also affirming and strengthening Indigenous sense of cultural identity.
Beyond Bush Tucker: Implementing Indigenous Perspectives Through The Science Curriculum
Michael Michie, Jane Anlezark, Didamain Uibo, Northern Territory Department of Education
The concept of bush tucker-the use of natural resources by Indigenous Australians for food-has become a significant consideration (dare one use the pun, 'flavour of the month') in the search for identity of an Australian cuisine. It has also become a focus for many schools (particularly in the Northern Territory), as they identify many of the native plants that are present in school grounds or neighbouring environments, and how they are used. This may give students tokenistic inside knowledge about Indigenous Australians, yet it can provide a first step in understanding how Indigenous people view the world.
Resource lists
Resources to support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Across Curriculum Perspective
Narrabundah College Internet Group
A resource list of books, DVDs and websites.
Curriculum and classroom activities
National
Resource Guide for Aboriginal Studies and Torres Strait Islander Studies
Curriculum Corporation
Two hundred print, audio-visual, and multimedia resources present Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal views of history, cultures and contemporary issues. An essential tool for teachers selecting resources for Aboriginal Studies and Torres Strait Islander Studies, the guide was developed by Aboriginal representatives and Torres Strait Islander representatives from all States and Territories.
Australian Capital Territory
Aboriginal Education and Torres Strait Islander Education Curriculum
ACT Department of Education and Training
A complete guide to Aboriginal and Islander perspectives across the curriculum from an ACT perspective.
Western Australia
Aboriginal Perspectives across the Eight Learning Areas
Department of Education and Training, Western Australia
Suggestions for activities in The Arts, English, Health And PE, LOTE, Mathematics, Science, Society And Environment and Technology And Enterprise. Provided by Aboriginal Education, Training and Services Directorate, Western Australia.
New South Wales
Aboriginal perspectives through integrated units
Board of Studies, New South Wales
These integrated units of work have been developed to highlight the potential for innovative teaching practices using the primary curriculum. The Aboriginal perspective units demonstrate examples of a more holistic approach to teaching, which underpins the development of integrated curriculum.
A Shared History: Teaching Aboriginal perspectives in Human Society and Its Environment K-6 syllabus
New South Wales Department of Education and Training
This site is designed to support the teaching of Aboriginal perspectives in the NSW Human Society and Its Environment K-6 syllabus.
South Australia
Aboriginal perspectives in SACSA
South Australian Department of Education and Children's Services
Suggestions of ways to include Aboriginal perspectives in particular learning areas of the South Australian Curriculum Standards and Accountability Framework.
Aboriginal Perspectives in Australian Studies: A Guide for Teachers
South Australian Department of Education and Children's Services
Teachers will find a wealth of support and information in the Aboriginal studies R-12 series. This nationally acclaimed course helps students examine important aspects of Aboriginal cultures, past and present, and to gain an insight into the personal values, social structures, and the relationship to the environment of the Aboriginal people today. The course is practical, comprehensive and flexible, and can be confidently taught by teachers who do not have expertise in Aboriginal culture. There are two major groups: primary resources, including material for the early years of schooling, and secondary resources.
Victoria
Koorie Inclusive Curriculum (PDF)
David Brown, Koorie Education Development Unit, Department of Education
Aboriginal Perspectives Across the Curriculum: A Teacher Resource for Primary Classrooms
Catholic Education Commission of Victoria
In this unit some key characteristics of Koorie identity, culture and lifestyles are explored. Emphasis is given to local areas studies and to the significant advances and achievements of Koorie people and organisations in Australian society.
It is hoped that students will learn much from and about Koorie people as a people, and that they will come to appreciate the many ways in which Koorie people are maintaining and revitalising their unique cultural heritage and identity. A Publication of the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria, 1993.
Aboriginal Perspectives Kit
Museum Victoria
This information kit was developed by and in consultation with Aboriginal people. It is a fascinating resource for anyone interested in the cultural history of Aboriginal people in Victoria from an indigenous perspective, and is suitable for students (Victorian CSFII Levels 4-6 Studies of Society and Environment).
Tasmania
Aboriginal Perspectives and the English Learning Area
Department of Education, Tasmania
English teachers have significant opportunities to include activities and texts by and about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in their courses.
Aboriginal Perspectives in Environmental Education
Holistic Education Network of Tasmania
These activities or units are examples of the many resources available that can bring Aboriginal Perspectives to all areas of learning. These activities in particular help students experience an aboriginal perspective that deepens their relationship with the environment as well as developing an empathy with Aboriginal cultures.