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History and Diversity of Australian Indigenous Peoples for Primary Aged Students


Lesson Guide for Primary School Aged Students

The History and Cultural Diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Students will learn about the long history and cultural diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including their survival through significant environmental changes, their diverse languages and customs, and the importance of preserving their cultural heritage.


Teacher Notes:

  • Ancient History and Environmental Adaptation:
    Begin by explaining that Aboriginal peoples have lived in Australia for at least 65,000 years, making them one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world. Over this time, they have adapted to significant environmental changes, including ice ages and the extinction of megafauna (large animals like giant kangaroos and diprotodons). Aboriginal peoples developed deep knowledge of the land, enabling them to live sustainably in a wide range of environments, from arid deserts to lush rainforests.

  • Torres Strait Islander Cultures:
    Introduce students to the Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have lived on the islands between the northern tip of Queensland and Papua New Guinea for thousands of years. Explain that while they share similarities with Aboriginal cultures, Torres Strait Islander peoples have their own distinct languages, customs, and traditions. They are of Melanesian and Polynesian descent, which influences their cultural practices and connection to the wider Pacific region. The Torres Strait Islands are home to rich marine environments, and the Islander peoples have a deep connection to the sea, which is central to their culture and way of life.

  • Colonisation of the Australian Continent and Torres Strait Islands:
    Discuss how Aboriginal peoples spread across the entire Australian continent, including Tasmania, long before European settlement. Their presence is evidenced by ancient rock art, archaeological sites, and oral traditions. The separation of Tasmania from the mainland around 12,000 years ago, due to rising sea levels, led to the distinct cultural and linguistic development of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people, who were geographically isolated from the mainland. Similarly, Torres Strait Islander peoples have maintained their cultural distinctiveness through their connection to the sea and their island environment.

  • Cultural Diversity:
    Emphasise the incredible diversity among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Australia was traditionally home to over 250 distinct Aboriginal language groups and around 20 Torres Strait Islander languages, each with its own customs, laws, and cultural practices. These language groups are often referred to as nations, reflecting the complexity and richness of these cultures. Despite the impact of colonisation, which has endangered many of these languages and practices, efforts are ongoing to revive and preserve them.

  • Languages and Endangered Languages:
    Explain that many of the original Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages are now endangered or extinct due to the impacts of colonisation. The preservation and revival of these languages are vital for maintaining cultural identity, as languages carry unique knowledge systems, stories, and connections to the land and sea. Highlight the importance of language revival programs that aim to keep these languages alive for future generations.

  • Oral Culture and Knowledge Transmission:
    Both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures have traditionally been oral cultures, meaning that knowledge, laws, history, and stories have been passed down verbally from generation to generation. This oral tradition includes storytelling, songlines, ceremonies, and art, all of which play a vital role in maintaining cultural knowledge and connection to the land and sea.

  • Rock Art, Ceremonies, and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Expressions:
    Aboriginal rock art is one of the most enduring expressions of this ancient culture, with some artworks dating back tens of thousands of years. These artworks often depict aspects of The Dreaming, daily life, and significant events. Torres Strait Islander cultural expressions include elaborate dance and music performances, which are integral to their ceremonies and celebrations, often involving drums, traditional songs, and intricate masks.

  • Resource: IATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia:
    Introduce the IATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia as a resource that visually represents the vastness and diversity of Aboriginal nations across the continent and Torres Strait Islander communities. This map shows the different language groups and their traditional lands and islands, helping students appreciate the complexity and richness of these cultures.


Activity:

  • Exploring the IATSIS Map:
    Use the IATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia in class to explore the different Aboriginal language groups and Torres Strait Islander communities. Have students identify the traditional lands or islands where they live or where the school is located, as well as other regions of interest. Discuss the variations in language, culture, and traditions across these groups.

  • Discussion on Cultural Survival:
    Engage students in a discussion about how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have survived and adapted through significant environmental changes over tens of thousands of years. Discuss the importance of preserving endangered languages and the efforts being made to revive them.

  • Oral Tradition and Storytelling:
    Encourage students to think about the importance of oral tradition in preserving cultural knowledge. Have them participate in a storytelling activity where they either share a story passed down in their family or create their own story inspired by what they’ve learned about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

  • Reflection on Cultural Diversity:
    Ask students to reflect on the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, including the distinct traditions of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, and how this diversity contributes to the richness of Australia’s cultural heritage. Discuss why it’s important to respect and preserve these cultures today.


Resources:

  • It is highly beneficial and inexpensive to obtain a copy of the AIATSIS map for your classroom. Many retailers sell this though you can also buy directly from AIATSIS: The AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia