LEARNING ACTIVITY
Whose Country: exploring First Nations peoples languages map (13-18yrs)
Climate Region: Arid | Temperate | Tropical
State or Territory: All States/Territories
Age Range: 13-18

STORY

Jarrah was telling Adam that his older cousin Ricky is moving to Geraldton in Western Australia. “It is so far away from where I live” said Jarrah, “I’m going to miss him. Hmmm, be good to know who the local mob is over there, do you know Adam?”

Adam said “I don’t know, I have heard of the Noongar people but I think they are located around Perth, that’s a long way south from Geraldton. However, what Ricky needs to do is connect with the local people when he arrives through local community centres and events. Ricky should introduce himself, tell them where he is from and then ask who is their local tribal group.” Jarrah is looking forward to hearing from Ricky once he settles into Geraldton. It will be great to catch up with him and find out about the local mob living in Geraldton and their special places and language.

ACTIVITY OVERVIEW

This activity introduces the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Nations peoples of this Country. They 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 an understanding of their 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 understand 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.

Outcomes

For children to:

  • understand that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the traditional custodians of Australia’s land, waterways and skies
  • learn that Australia is made up of many different communities of First Nations peoples and there is a variation between and within each group
  • appreciate the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across Australia identify the language group in their local area.
SEASONAL NOTES

This activity can be done at any time of the year.

Did you know?

Prior to European settlement, there were more than 250 First Nations language groups with over 800 dialects spoken across Australia.

Did you know?

The 2016 Australian Census reported that only 160 First Nations languages are spoken at home and that First Nations children only speak 13 of these traditional languages.

Did you know?

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

Did you know?

Today, Wiradjuri people are able to study their language from attending a technical college right through to university. Many schools on Wiradjuri Country also have active language teaching.

Why not try one of our other Junior Landcare learning activities?

Creating an Indigenous plant-use garden: plant list

First Nations Perspectives

Creating an Indigenous plant-use garden: resources from the bush

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Love Letters to the Land

Biodiversity|First Nations Perspectives|Food Production|Waste Management

Creating a yarning circle: involving First Nations people

First Nations Perspectives