Whose Country: exploring First Nations peoples languages map Learning Activity

This activity introduces the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First peoples of this Country, who are the traditional custodians of the lands, waterways and skies across Australia and that it is important for us to recognise that.

A Welcome to Country and an Acknowledgement of Country are opportunities for all people that show respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, and build understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and connections to Country.

Anyone can do an Acknowledgement of Country to acknowledge the country that they are on. Only an Elder from that Country can do a Welcome to Country.

Learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages can help children build their understanding of land, water and people. This activity helps to assist the identification of the language group/s on which the school or home is situated.

To understand local perspectives and support these activities, we recommend reaching out to the local Traditional Owners and First Nations peoples who can assist in knowledge sharing and understanding local land, histories and culture. This is an important consideration to ensure that any reconciliation initiatives are being driven in a local and meaningful way.

For this learning activity, there are three age streams: (0-7), (7-13), and (13-18). To see the activity, click on the appropriate age range.