Talkingidentity

Talking identity
Teacher’s booklet
Stage 2
Human Society and Its Environment
Talking identity
TEACHER’S HANDBOOK
Stage 2
Human Society and Its Environment
NSW Department of Education and Training

Talking identity: teacher’s handbook
© 2002 NSW Department of Education and Training
Professional Support and Curriculum Directorate
Private Bag 3
RYDE NSW 2112
Talking identity: teacher’s handbook is a component of the Talking

identity kit which also comprises a copy of the texts: The fat and juicy
place and Rak Niwili as well as an audiotape of the song Rak Niwili.
Restricted waiver of copyright
The printed material in this publication is subject to a restricted waiver of

copyright to allow the purchaser to make photocopies of the material
contained in the publication for use within a school, subject to the
conditions below.
1. All copies of the printed material shall be made without alteration or

abridgement and must retain acknowledgment of the copyright.
2. The school or college shall not sell, hire or otherwise derive income
from copies of the material, nor distribute copies of the material for
any other purpose.
3. The restricted waiver of copyright is not transferable and may be

withdrawn in the case of breach of any of these conditions.
ISBN: 0 7313 7088 0
SCIS: 1045470
Introduction
Talking identity is a unit of work about identity, primarily from an
Aboriginal perspective, and is designed for teachers of Stage 2 classes.
This teacher’s handbook is a component of the Talking identity kit

which also comprises a copy of the texts: The fat and juicy place and
Rak Niwili as well as an audiotape of the song Rak Niwili. These
materials are an essential requirement for the topics of work in Talking
identity.
Throughout the unit emphasis has been placed on community

consultation and participation. Following local community protocol will
ensure the success of the unit. It is presumed that students have
already been exposed to work in Aboriginal studies in Stage 1 and that
this unit of work would not be the first contact with the Aboriginal
community for teachers and students.
The unit is based on the Stage 2 outcomes in the K–6 syllabus in

Human Society and Its Environment.
Some of the indicators may be found in the syllabus. Teachers are

encouraged to create indicators that illustrate the outcomes and to look
for other indicators in the work of their students.
The unit consists of nine topics, each organised as follows:

• Teaching program
Talking identity
• Student worksheets
• Teacher overheads.
“Materials required” has been included as a guide to the resources

required by the teacher. All worksheets and overhead transparency
black line masters are provided.
The section “Teacher’s notes and background information” gives the

teacher a basic understanding of the content and addresses the issues
of consultation and protocol with Aboriginal communities. The notes are
not exhaustive, but provide a good starting point and a quick reference.
Also listed are a number of books which could be used to extend

students’ knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal identity, in
particular, and of Aboriginal Australia generally.
Talking identity (Stage 2 for Aboriginal Australia) is part of a set of

units developed by Professional Support and Curriculum Directorate to
support the implementation of the K–6 syllabus in Human Society and
Its Environment. Other units include Where the sun rises … (Stage 1 for
Asia) and By word of mouth (Stage 3 for Federation).
3
Acknowledgements
The New South Wales Department of Education and Training would like
to thank the following individuals and organisations for their assistance:
Project coordination:
Bob Percival, Professional Support and Curriculum Directorate
Authors:
Vicki Douglass, Blacktown West Public School
Daphne Bell, Crawford Public School
Cathy Waters, Redfern Public School
Bronwyn Nurdin, NSW Department of Education and Training
Bob Percival, Professional Support and Curriculum Directorate
Publication development:
Neville Keeley, Professional Support and Curriculum Directorate
Editing:
Kevin Bradburn, Professional Support and Curriculum Directorate
Peter Rennie, Professional Support and Curriculum Directorate
Sue Field, Professional Support and Curriculum Directorate
Desktop publishing:
Dianne McKinnon, Professional Support and Curriculum Directorate
Consultation:
Dyonne Anderson, HSIE K–6 consultant, Lismore District Office
Cheree Gibson, NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc.
Elaine Bennett, HSIE K–6 consultant, Port Jackson District Office
Illustration and artwork:

Connie Ah See
Cover image:
Bronwyn Bancroft
You don’t even look Aboriginal, 1991
gouache, collage on paper
Mollie Gowing Acquisition Fund for Contemporary Aboriginal Art 1993
Art Gallery of New South Wales
© Bronwyn Bancroft, 1991. Licensed by visycopy, Sydney 2001.
Bronwyn Bancroft’s painting and photomontage stress her Aboriginal identity with
photographs of herself in circular motifs, linked to photographs of Aboriginal family
members, who line the top of the painting above her. Bancroft is shown at different
stages in her life, connected to her Aboriginal family.
This painting relates to an incident in Bronwyn’s career when, after giving a lecture at an
art college, a student questioned Bronwyn’s right to speak as an Aboriginal person when
she did not “look Aboriginal” (in that student’s eyes). To Aboriginal people, the phrase
“You don’t even look Aboriginal’’ is offensive and reveals an ignorance of Aboriginal
Australia.
From Diversity: a celebration of art & culture. An education kit for the Yiribana
4 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Gallery, Art Gallery of New South Wales 1998.
Contents
Page
Introduction 3
Acknowledgements 4
Statements of Aboriginal identity 7
Identity star wheel 8
Teacher’s notes and background information 9
1996 Aboriginal Education Policy 9
Consultation and protocol with Aboriginal communities 10
Historical background of Aboriginal languages 11
The Dreaming and Dreaming stories 14
Glossary 16
Teaching topics 19
1. The land, the lore and the Dreaming 21
2. The community 30
3. Community symbols 34
4. Families: our heritage 41
5. Belonging to country 44
6. Roles, rules and responsibilities 52
7. Who we are: identity, racism and prejudice 57
8. Diversity 62
9. Let’s celebrate! 68
Overheads 69
Appendix 1: The little flying fox 73
Appendix 2: Australian flags 74
Appendix 3: The bunyip 75
Appendix 4: Living with the land 76
References 77
Contacts 78
NSW AECG Regional Representatives 78
DET Consultants in Aboriginal Education 80
DET Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers 81
NSW Regional Aboriginal Land Councils 83
Additional contacts 84
Statements of Aboriginal identity
“Being Aboriginal has nothing to do with the colour of your skin or the
shape of your nose. It is a spiritual feeling, an identity you know in your
heart. It is a unique feeling that may be difficult for non-Aboriginal
people to understand.”
Linda Burney, 1994
(extract from Aboriginal education training &

development resource: presenter’s handbook OHT 12
© NSW Department of School Education 1996)
“Aboriginality is not just a physical manifestation of Aboriginal identity,

but includes a combination of cultural heritage, spirituality and an
intrinsic link with the land.”
Years 7–10 Aboriginal Studies Syllabus
(extract from Aboriginal education training &

development resource: presenter’s handbook OHT 12
© NSW Department of School Education 1996)
“Our identities are made from the building up of those parts of our lives
Talking identity
which are strong and positive, from all the things we feel we belong to
and belong to us.”
(statement from Dewdney, A. & Michels, D.

More than black and white p. 75)
“Identity in Koori Society is based on relationship to land and the clan

as well as shared language, culture and experiences. The colour of hair,
eyes or skin has nothing to do with one’s identity.”
(statement from Horton, D. (ed)

The Encyclopaedia of Aboriginal Australia p. 491)
7
Identity star wheel
Ou nd the Dreaming
nd, our n
yi
Le t ’ u r
e t
h w ni
e
liv
a
ce
whic mmu
o
s
l
a
i d e l e br
r
lo r e
nti ate
o
The c
ty
D iv IDENTITY: wh
e r sit y symbols ich
Gain an he
T esent our commu
understanding of repr nit y
who we are.
Ou
m r fa
ci s
ur nd r e nsibilities
t y, r a mi
I d e n ti dic
e
ly
Th i
j u
wh
e
and pr ch co
e
m munity
we un
s po
tr y ng
belo
to
co
in oles a
ro
Our
8
Teacher’s notes and background
information
1996 Aboriginal Education Policy

The goals of this policy are comprehensive in order to take account of
the complexity of the issues involved, the ways in which they
interconnect and the differences among schools and communities.
Making progress towards these goals is the responsibility of all
personnel within the Department of Education and Training. The goals
are:
• Curriculum, teaching and assessment programs will be
challenging and culturally appropriate.
• Schools will have a supportive learning environment.
• Aboriginal communities and the Department of Education and
Training will become partners in the whole educational process.
• All staff and students of the Department of Education and
Training will have knowledge and understanding of and respect
for Aboriginal Australia.
Talking identity
Performance strategies: How Talking identity
Outcome supports the 1996 NSW Aboriginal Education
Policy
Educational outcomes for • Researching appropriate methodology and content across

Aboriginal students are enhanced all key learning areas.
so that they are comparable with • Accepting and valuing Aboriginal English and developing
those of the rest of the school teaching programs which use it as a teaching tool.
population.
Culturally appropriate teaching • Incorporation of knowledge from local Aboriginal

strategies and assessment communities in teaching and learning programs.
methods are implemented. • Involvement of Aboriginal parents, community and
caregivers in the evaluation of educational programs,
processes and practices.
Aboriginal people are empowered • Involvement of Aboriginal people in the planning, provision
to become active partners in the and evaluation of educational services.
decision making process. • Participation by school or district representatives of the
Department in the local and regional AECGs.
All students participate in • Preparation of and provision to schools of curriculum

Aboriginal studies programs. support materials containing Aboriginal content and
perspectives complementing existing syllabuses.
• Development of culturally appropriate teaching resources
in negotiation with NSW AECG Inc.
9
Outcomes
The outcomes of the policy are set out in relation to each of the policy
goals, including priority areas for action to achieve these goals. Against
each outcome is a list of performance strategies as guides to action.
The list is not exhaustive and schools will need to adapt and, where
necessary, devise, strategies that are appropriate to their own
circumstances.
Consultation and protocol with Aboriginal

communities
It is important to consult with Aboriginal communities and organisations
to ensure that teaching and curriculum programs are inclusive of
Aboriginal peoples’ needs and perspectives. Consulting will provide the
basis for a mutually beneficial relationship between the school and local
Aboriginal communities. It is important to recognise that each
community is different and that protocols of consultation will vary
across localities.
Most Aboriginal communities have rules embedded in their culture. To

address these rules teachers will have to consult using the correct
protocol. Consultation is a two-way, ongoing process, where all involved
learn from each other through negotiation, listening, flexibility and
open-mindedness.
To gain the most effective outcomes in the consultation process it is

important to:
• develop an understanding of Aboriginality. Aboriginality is about
culture, identity, shared experience, world view and family a
matter of our style
• spend time and effort developing positive relationships between
the school and the community and between people. As you
prove yourself to be someone who likes spending time with
Aboriginal people, information will be shared with you
• be introduced to the Aboriginal community by someone from
that community or by someone that the community knows and
trusts. Be aware that Aboriginal community resources are
stretched to the limit. Make sure that you give plenty of notice
about visits or meetings
• be sensitive to events and upheavals in the community, e.g.
funerals. Be willing to adapt your program or approaches on
advice from the Aboriginal community. Always respond to
requests and concerns put forward by the Aboriginal people
who are working with or advising you on the program
• be willing to share your skills and knowledge with Aboriginal
people when requested. Recognise and respect Aboriginal
people’s skills and expertise and always acknowledge the
contribution of Aboriginal people to your program
10
• be familiar with Aboriginal English and be aware of the
significant level of non-verbal communication that occurs in
Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal people read body language
easily and consider it a valid form of communication. Ensure
that your body language is consistent with your intentions and
attitudes
• be aware of the importance of sharing; people are more
important than things or systems in Aboriginal culture
• make sure, when consulting with Elders or receiving stories or
knowledge from them, that Elders are acknowledged and paid
at a consultant’s rate. In Aboriginal communities knowledge is
owned and shared only for fair trade and with good reason
• consult widely, across a range of Aboriginal organisations and
communities, and over time. Some NSW towns have up to
three or more distinct Aboriginal communities within them
• organise meetings in places readily accessible to community
members. The school is not always a good place. You may
also want to consider transport and child minding. Best
practice is to have the meeting very close to, if not in, the
local community.
Teacher’s Handbook: BIG MOB BOOKS

for little fullas. Emergent Readers Kit
©Board of Studies NSW &
NSW Department of School Education, 1997
Talking identity
Historical background of Aboriginal
languages
The Indigenous languages of Australia have been under threat since the
invasion in 1788. Aboriginal languages were severely affected by
colonialism and racism. Aboriginal people were punished for speaking
their languages. Aboriginal languages were not recognised by non-
Aboriginal people. All of these factors had a devastating effect on the
preservation of Aboriginal languages, especially in NSW.
Of more than 250 different Indigenous languages and 500 to 600

dialects in Australia before white colonisation, about 30 remain in use
as a medium of communication.
According to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey

conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 1994, about 15 per
cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people speak an Indigenous
language.
11
European languages have long traditions transmitted through reading
and writing. Indigenous Australian languages have an even longer
tradition, but are transmitted orally and by example in everyday
activities.
Map of Aboriginal languages and nations in NSW
Few English speakers have been prepared to learn Aboriginal

languages. Pidgin English was imposed upon Indigenous people, who
were then looked down upon for speaking it. Some Aboriginal
communities developed very complex creoles, using mostly English
words and Indigenous language structures. Some of these are still
spoken today.
On many of the missions and reserves, Aboriginal people were

prevented from speaking their language. English was forced upon
Aboriginal peoples and became the common language. For other
Aboriginal people, who were forced to relocate to other areas outside
their original language groups, speaking Aboriginal languages was not
easily maintained.
Many communities over time have had to develop variants of Aboriginal

English as a home language while still maintaining aspects of language.
Language use in Aboriginal Australia is very much a factor of kinship.

The way people speak to others, to whom they speak and the forms of
language used are determined by the relationships of the speakers.
12 Aboriginal people have always been multilingual.
Facts about Aboriginal languages
• Many Aboriginal languages are spoken throughout Australia.
• Aboriginal people don’t all speak the same Aboriginal language.
• There are more than 70 Aboriginal languages in NSW.
• Aboriginal languages are as complex and rich in vocabulary as
any other language.
• Aboriginal languages are alive in many Aboriginal
communities, which are at different stages of development in
the revival and maintenance of their language.
• Aboriginal communities are actively involved in the processes
of revival and maintenance.
• Aboriginal English and Aboriginal languages are closely related.
Aboriginal English can contain elements of Aboriginal
languages.
• Aboriginal English is a dialect of English governed by its own
set of rules.
• There are first and second language speakers in NSW.
• Numerous Aboriginal communities have successful language
centres involving members of the local Aboriginal community.
• Many Aboriginal people identify themselves by their language
group.
• Even if Aboriginal people don’t speak their language on a daily
basis, it is still important to them.
• Aboriginal languages are extremely important to Aboriginal
people, because they reinforce pride in culture and identity.
• Aboriginal languages are to be approached with sensitivity and
Talking identity
respect for community views.
• Aboriginal community groups should be regarded as the owners
of their languages, with all the exclusive rights that ownership
bestows.
For further information on NSW Aboriginal languages view the video

and read the booklet in the resource Talkin’ language.
13
The Dreaming & Dreaming stories
The Dreaming is always with you, it is spiritual. Dreaming
is where it all began and it is still with us today. You go
back in time, like a memory that continues today,
everything starts in the Dreaming.
Aunty June Barker
Dreaming is the embodiment of Aboriginal creation which

gives meaning to everything.
(Aboriginal Studies Syllabus Years 7–10,
Board of Studies, 1993, p. 49).
Dreaming is a non-Aboriginal word. Each language group has its own

word to describe the complexity of Dreaming.
Dreaming stories are a part of this complexity. Dreaming stories are a

part of the spiritual beliefs and religion that teach and guide all
members of the community to an understanding of their society’s rules,
behaviours, environments and relationships.
Rules for
environment
Creation
Rules for
life
Dreaming
stories
Rules for
Rules for
relationships
land
14
It is important that Dreaming stories are used properly in the classroom
and not misinterpreted as fairy stories or myths. Dreaming stories are
the binding force of a continuum between the past, present and future
for Aboriginal people. Dreaming stories explain creation and deal with
the responsibilities of the people to care for their land and each other.
These stories are multilayered in meaning, and as a child grows and
matures, a greater depth of meaning is revealed.
It is important that the Aboriginal children from the school in which you
teach know generally about Dreaming stories and, in particular and
where possible, know Dreaming stories from their own country.
Teachers should be aware that some Aboriginal students might find it

difficult to know their own family history, as it might be difficult—and
painful in some cases—to trace the past. Aboriginal children should (if
at all possible) know the language group to which they belong. Teachers
should encourage all students to value their past and present identity.
Students should know the name of, and respect, the language group in
which the school is situated.
Teachers should be sensitive to the fact that children’s parents and

grandparents may belong to the stolen generations and may find their
links difficult to trace. Encouragement and community knowledge about
family names can help to build a strong individual identity.
Before recording an Aboriginal Dreaming story in any way, permission

must be sought from the storyteller and his or her community.
Dreaming stories are the intellectual property of the community from
which the story originated. Throughout Aboriginal history since
invasion, Aboriginal peoples have had their intellectual property stolen
from them. This is a very delicate and sensitive area of publication and
Talking identity
great pains must be taken to respect the oral culture and the ownership
of Dreaming stories.
Teacher’s Handbook: BIG MOB BOOKS

for little fullas. Emergent Readers Kit
© Board of Studies NSW &
NSW Department of School Education (1997)
15
Glossary
Aboriginal Used as an adjective in reference to the original inhabitants of
Australia. The term may be associated with people, points of view,
cultures and communities. The term should always commence
with a capital when referring to Aboriginal peoples within
Australia.1
Aboriginality Aboriginality is much more than a physical manifestation of

Aboriginal identity. It includes a combination of cultural heritage,
spirituality and an intrinsic link with the land.5
Aboriginal English Aboriginal English is a dialect of Australian English and has been
the “home language” or first language of Aboriginal people since
their contact with non-Aboriginal people. Aboriginal English is a
spoken language, but it also involves body language, silence,
pauses and humour. Aboriginal English can include words from
Aboriginal languages.
AECG (NSW) The Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (AECG) is a

community-based Aboriginal organisation. Its purpose is to ensure
social justice for Aboriginal peoples through education and
training. The role and mandate of the AECG (NSW) is to provide
community-based direction on Indigenous education and training.1
art Aboriginal arts are many sided and inter-connected. In pre-contact

society, visual arts were usually associated with ceremonies which
also used storytelling, music and dance. Embedded in the fabric of
society, visual arts served educational, religious and social
purposes. The vitality and flexibility of Aboriginal culture can be
seen in the care and skill with which Aboriginal people used new
ways of painting, new colours or media, and new stories in their
art, and have used their arts for new purposes.2
bush tucker Traditional food. Here bush means Aboriginal but also with some
sense of wild, not domesticated. This term is also used in the non-
Aboriginal community, though not always with a cultural distinction
between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal food, so that damper and
billy tea might be included in the non-Aboriginal sense of “bush
tucker”.3
ceremonies Always involve song and dance and body decoration, and may
involve other forms of artistic expression. The ownership,
management and performance of ceremonies are dependent upon
knowledge and status, and in turn confer status upon individuals.2
colonisation The intentional occupation of land by a foreign country.1
community(ies) Important elements of a community are country, family ties and

shared experience. Community is about interrelatedness and
belonging, and is central to Aboriginality. Aboriginal people may
belong to more than one community. The use of community or
communities in the syllabus indicates that any one community
may in fact consist of several communities.4
16
culture The accepted and traditionally patterned ways of behaving;
common understanding shared by the members of a group or
community. Includes land, language, ways of living and working,
artistic expression, relationships and identity.5
discrimination When one person or group is treated differently from another

group. This is harmful if the person or group is treated badly for no
good reason.
(the) Dreaming The embodiment of Aboriginal creation that gives meaning to

everything; the essence of Aboriginal belief about creation, and
spiritual and physical existence. It establishes the rules governing
relationships between people, the land and all things for Aboriginal
peoples. The Dreaming extends from the beginning of time to the
present and into the future.1
Elder Elders are custodians of knowledge. They are chosen and

accepted by their own communities and are highly respected.4
identity All those parts of ourself that are strong and positive, as well as
negative. All the things that we belong to and all those things that
belong to us. Who we are! Identity in Aboriginal societies is based
on relationship to land and the clan as well as shared language,
culture and experiences. The colour of hair, eyes or skin has
nothing to do with one’s identity.2
Indigenous peoples In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The
term should always commence with a capital when referring to
Australian Indigenous people.5
invasion The forced takeover of a land and the subjugation of its people.5
kinship A key aspect of Aboriginal cultures and values. It includes the

importance of all relationships, and of being related to and
Talking identity
belonging to land.4
land The term land is used by Aboriginal people to describe their

ecosystems: a sum total of spiritual beliefs, including Dreamings,
all living things including totems, all physical factors such as
sacred sites, water, air and geographical features.4
land rights The evolving struggle of Aboriginal people for the absolute legal
and moral acknowledgment of prior ownership of this land and
recognition of all the accompanying rights and obligations that flow
from this association. 2
lore The learning and transmission of cultural heritage.4
NATSI Week National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration (NAIDOC)

Week had its origins in 1957, commencing as NADOC Day, a day
for Australians to focus their attention on Aboriginal communities.
The focus was extended in 1975 to a week’s celebration of
Aboriginal culture and heritage. In 1989 the word Islander was
added to form NAIDOC Week. It is now known as National
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Week or NATSI Week.1
nation or country The area of land, river and sea that is the traditional land of each
Aboriginal language group or community.1
17
prejudice Usually an angry feeling or action towards a person who belongs to
a certain group.
racism When one cultural group of people treats another cultural group of
people badly. They do this because they falsely believe they are
better than the other group.
Reconciliation The process of Reconciliation aims to improve relations between

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians,
through increasing understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander history, cultures, past dispossession and present
disadvantages. When used in this sense, the term should always
begin with a capital.1
resistance One of the responses of Aboriginal peoples to invasion, including

violent or political opposition.5
social justice A value that favours measures aimed at decreasing or eliminating

inequities.1
songs Song is the central element of performance, and may be

performed without associated ritual, dance and body design. When
songs are performed correctly, in the appropriate ritual context,
they are believed to tap the creative power of the Dreaming.2
Songs, in the context of this kit, may also refer to Aboriginal
contemporary songs performed and written by such artists as
Jimmy Little and Christine Anu.
stereotyping Regarding everyone in a group as being the same with no

individual differences. This is usually a negative way of looking at
people.
Stolen Generations The term used for the significant number of Aboriginal children
who were forcibly removed from their families. While separation of
Aboriginal children from their families had taken place from the
time of colonisation, the most damaging and extensive removals
took place in the twentieth century. The removal of Aboriginal
children from their families was government policy in all Australian
States. The policy has had an extremely damaging legacy on the
self-esteem and identity of those who were subjected to it.1
Survival Day Celebrated within Aboriginal communities on 26 January, Survival

Day is an acknowledgment of the cultural, physical and spiritual
survival of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples since
British colonisation in 1788.1
technology That part of culture which assists people to interact with their
environment. It includes knowledge, social organisation, systems,
techniques, processes and products.4
1
Board of Studies NSW (1998). Human Society and Its Environment K–6 Syllabus.
2
Horton, D. (ed) (1994). The Encyclopedia of Aboriginal Australia, Aboriginal Studies Press, Canberra.
(also available in CD-ROM format).
3
Arthur, J.M. (1996). Aboriginal English, Oxford University Press, Melbourne.
4
Board of Studies NSW (1999). Aboriginal Studies Stage 6 Syllabus.
5
Board of Studies NSW (1998). New South Wales Aboriginal Languages Interim Framework K–10.
18
Teaching topics
Topic 1
The land, the lore and the Dreaming

Task:
To investigate and identify the original inhabitants of the local
community area.
Materials required:
• Text: The fat and juicy place (provided in kit)
• Additional text: The little flying fox (Appendix 1)
• Local area map
• Student worksheets 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 6a
Teaching and learning sequence Outcomes and indicators
Lesson activities CUS2.4

PART 1 Describes different viewpoints,
• As an introduction to Aboriginal Dreaming read The little ways of living, languages and
flying fox. (Appendix 1). [Note: If a local Dreaming story is belief systems in a variety of
available from your area, and the appropriate protocols have settings.
been followed, then substitute that story for The little flying • describes the Dreaming story in
fox.] the context of its purpose to
teach value and respect for
• Using The Aboriginal languages and countries map in NSW, others in the community.
have students locate the areas in which the Dreaming story,
The little flying fox, originated. CCS2.2
Explains changes in the
Note: The little flying fox is a Dreaming story shared by a
community and family life and
number of language groups in the far north of NSW and over
evaluates the effects of these on
Talking identity
the Queensland border.
different individuals, groups and
Discuss with students the setting of the Dreaming story that is environments.
read and use it as a basis for a future visit by an Elder or • identifies changes; such as use
community member. of language, access to
schooling and rules taught; in
• Invite an Aboriginal Elder or member of AECG or Aboriginal the life stories of Aboriginal
performer to be interviewed by students in this first unit of people.
work. This visit will be an opportunity to relate and discuss
other local Dreaming stories, if possible. Be guided by your
local Aboriginal community for appropriate Dreaming stories.
Develop a set of questions for the guest speaker(s) through

discussion with students. The guest speaker needs to be
briefed about the questions and have the content and context
of the lesson explained. Please “talk through” the lesson with
the guest. This will benefit both teacher and guest speaker.
[Note: Give the guest a final copy of the questions to be asked
prior to the visit.]
• Explain to students, using an overhead of Worksheet 1, how

they can record the information for Worksheet 1 while the
guest speaker is talking.
During the talk, on Worksheet 1, the students record responses

from the guest about their childhood and adult life. A family
timeline of the guest might be constructed. Make it clear to
the students that it is not necessary to fill in all the sheet.
Invite the guest speaker to stay for the rest of lesson. 21

Topic 1 continued
The land, the lore and the Dreaming

PART 2 ENS2.5
• In preparation for Worksheets 2 and 5 read Part One of The fat Describes places in the local
and juicy place (time allowance: 20–30 minutes). area and other parts of
Australia and explains their
• Discuss the significance of design on the cover and have significance.
students predict character and events. Suggested prompts: • recognises that Aboriginal
Where is this book set? What characters are in the story? nations and boundaries are a
What is interesting about the front cover? Who wrote the way of understanding the
book? Australian continent
• identifies Aboriginal language
Using information from Part One of The fat and juicy place, group of the local area and
discuss with students and jointly construct a concept map for other Aboriginal groups in
Jack, using Worksheet 2 (e.g. food, language spoken, NSW.
favourite activities).
CUS2.3
• Using an enlarged map of the local area, have students Explains how shared customs,
identify where they live in the area. practices, symbols, languages
and traditions in communities
Refer to Worksheet 3: Aboriginal languages and countries in contribute to Australian
NSW and identify with students the Aboriginal country they community identities.
are living in. This can be more clearly done by making an • recognises the similarities and
overhead of Worksheet 4: Map of NSW, with the local area differences of symbols
marked on it, and overlaying onto an overhead of Worksheet 3. important to others
• identifies some significant
Discuss with class: Who are the local Aboriginal custodians of customs, practices and
the land? If more than one Aboriginal group is represented as traditions of the Aboriginal
the original custodian, why might this be? Why might maps people.
differ about what is the Aboriginal language group for that
area? ENS2.6
Describes people’s interactions
Have students colour in their local language group on with environments and
Worksheet 3. Students can also identify two other language identifies responsible ways of
groups and colour them in different colours. The exact interacting with environments.
boundaries can be found in The Encyclopaedia of Aboriginal • recognises that Aboriginal
Australia. peoples have a special
relationship with the land and
• On Worksheet 5, ask each student to complete each section the sea
for him or herself. Students can then compare and discuss • identifies the different aspects
their responses in terms of similarities and differences. that make up the Dreaming
and recognises how they are
Suggested prompts: Ask students… interrelated.
Which of you have the same symbols?
Is there a reason for this?
Where did the rules you follow come from?
Who guides you in choosing the food you eat?
Have students transfer information about Jack from

Worksheet 2 and record responses on Worksheet 5.
PART 3
• As a final activity to gain a better understanding of the
interrelationships of Aboriginal Dreaming, ask students to cut
up the 15 connections on Worksheet 6, which make up the
Dreaming, and place them around the image on
Worksheet 6a. Students can then colour in the worksheet.
22
Student
worksheets
HSIE
1 Aboriginal guest speaker
Age As a child As an adult
Language
group or
Aboriginal
country
Schooling:
where and
what kind
Language
used
Symbols that
are important
Values that
are important
Rules taught
Clothing worn
and available
Food grown
and available
Water
available
Medicine used
and available
23
Student
worksheets
Concept map: Jack
HSIE
2
Jack
24
Student
worksheets
Aboriginal languages and countries in NSW

HSIE
3
Bagandji also spelt Paakantyi Note: The language map used on this
Baakantji page to identify Aboriginal nations is one
of many Aboriginal language maps
Gamilaroi also spelt Gamilaraay
available. Consult with the local
Gamilroy
Aboriginal community to ensure accuracy
Kamilaroi
of information and preferred spelling for
Dharug also spelt Dharuk the local Aboriginal language.
Guringai also spelt Guring-gai
Kuring-gai
Ku-ring-gai
Dharawal also spelt Tharawal
25
Student
worksheets
Map of NSW
HSIE
4
Tweed Heads
Macintyre Riv
er
Lismore
Moree
Gwydir
Ri Glen Innes
ve Grafton
Walgett r
Bourke Namoi Ri
ve
r
r Coffs Harbour
Castl
ve
Ri Armidale
Boga n
ereag
h
Tamworth
g
r lin
Da
Nyngan Port Macquarie
Cobar
River
Taree
Broken Hill
R
Dubbo
iv
er
Maitland
Parkes Newcastle
River
Orange
lan
ch Bathurst
La Gosford
Cowra Katoomba
SYDNEY
Wentworth
ee Griffith
Murrumbidg Rive Wollongong
r
Hay Goulburn
Narrandera Wagga Yass
Wagga Nowra
CANBERRA
M Deniliquin
ur
ra
y Batemans Bay
R iv e r
Moama Albury
Cooma
Bega
0 100 200 300 km Eden
Land & Property Information NSW 2001
26
Student
worksheets
Character retrieval chart

HSIE
5
Student Jack Susie Mum Gran
Language
group or
Aboriginal
country
Schooling:
where and
what kind
Language(s)
used
Symbols that
are important
Values that
are important
Rules taught
Food grown
and available
27
Student
worksheets
Aboriginal Dreaming: Interrelationships
HSIE
6
Land Ancestral Plants

Beings
Animals Technology Lore/

rules
Dance Family Plants

kinship
Oral Language Spiritual

traditions beliefs
Song Art Caring for

country
28
Student
worksheets
Aboriginal Dreaming: Interrelationships

HSIE
6a
Th
Dr
e
ea ming
29
Topic 2
The community
Task:
To examine changes in the local community
Materials required:
• Student worksheets 1, 8 & 9
• Recommended resource: My place by Nadia Wheatley

• Read Part Two of The fat and juicy place to the class. Explains how shared customs,
(Time allowance: 20–30 minutes). practices, symbols, languages
• The fat and juicy place contribute to Australian and
Have students look at the text in terms of community. community identity.
• identifies some significant
Suggested prompts: Ask students… customs, practices and
Who are all the characters in the text? traditions of communities
What more can we find out about the characters in Jack’s beginning with Aboriginal
local community? people.
On Worksheet 8 ask students to create a character board of CCS2.2

the characters that are important or special to Jack. Explains changes in the
community and family life and
Have students illustrate the characters and then cut and re- evaluates the effects of these
paste these on a sheet in order of importance to Jack. on different individuals, groups
and environments.
• Examine the concept of community change with students. • identifies the change to
Have students look at the change that has taken place in people and places in the local
Jack’s community. If possible read and discuss Nadia area in their lifetime.
Wheatley’s My place with class.
Suggested prompts: Ask students…

What changes have taken place for the people who live in
Jack’s community?
How has the environment or community changed?
On Worksheet 9 have students list changes for Jack under the

headings “People” and “Places”.
Using completed Worksheet 1, discuss and transfer the

changes that the Elder has seen from his or her childhood
onto Worksheet 9.
On Worksheet 9 ask students to list changes they have

noticed to people and places in the local community.
30
Topic 2 continued
The community
• On Worksheet 9 have students research the changes which ENS2.5

their parents, grandparents or family members have seen over Describes places in the local
a period of time in the local community. Use the area and other parts of
recommended resources listed in References. Australia and explains their
significance.
• describes how places in the
local area have changed over
the lifetime of the student’s
family and friends.
Talking identity
31
Student
worksheets
Characters important to Jack
HSIE
8
Jack Mum Gran Fleabag
Aunty Del Susie Birdman Dad
Characters in order of importance to Jack

Jack
1 2 3
(most important)
4 5 6 7
(least important)
32
Student
worksheets
Changes in community
HSIE
9
Name People Places
Jack
Elder
Student
Parent or
Grandparent
33
Topic 3
Community symbols
Task:
To investigate and identify the symbols of some community groups.
Materials required:
• Student worksheets 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14
• Australian flags (Appendix 2)
Teaching/learning sequence Outcomes and indicators

• Read Part Three of The fat and juicy place to the class. Explains how shared customs,
(Time allowance: 20-30 minutes). practices, symbols, languages
• The fat and juicy place contribute to Australian and
Together look at the text in terms of community symbols. community identities.
• identifies and draws symbols
• Brainstorm: used by the central characters
Have students draw and describe the “symbols” which Jack in the text, The fat and juicy
identified with throughout The fat and juicy place. place
For example: • explains the essential
Football jumper .......... Dad components of the Aboriginal,
Lizard ......................... security Torres Strait Island and
Spacemen .................. Jack and Dad Australian flags.
Birdman ..................... protector
Ask students to complete Worksheet 10 by drawing Jack’s

“symbols”.
• Have students investigate flags as community symbols,

for example:
the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Australian flags
Teachers’ notes (see Appendix 2)

What are the colours of each flag?
What does each section of each flag represent?
Who designed each flag?
Using Worksheet 11, ask students to colour the different parts

of each flag according to the description in Appendix 2. Do
this as a joint activity and discuss the meaning of each part as
it is coloured in.
Have students cut out the parts and assemble into the flags on
Worksheet 12.
Discuss the flags of different countries which represent some

of the students in the class.
34
Topic 3 continued
Community symbols
• Using Worksheet 13 have students CUS2.3

investigate symbols and colours used in Explains how shared customs,
Aboriginal community symbols and logos, as practices, symbols, languages
well as school symbols, i.e. uniform and and traditions in communities
badge. contribute to Australian and
community identities.
Suggested prompts: Ask students… • identifies symbols used by the
Why have people designed these logos? Aboriginal community and
Why have different logos been used to explains the meaning of
represent particular places? designs used in these symbols
Why do they use “this” symbol? and logos
• identifies some community
Ask students to identify symbols and logos groups that people belong to
used within the community, and draw some • gathers information about the
of these symbols and logos on Worksheet roles, symbols and practices of
14. some community groups,
including Aboriginal
• Whole class activity: On the chalkboard have community groups
students produce their own class logo or flag, • explains the connection
incorporating an Aboriginal perspective. between symbols and
community identity.
Talking identity
35
Student
worksheets
Jack’s symbols
HSIE
10
Jack’s symbol representing his Dad Jack’s symbol representing security
Jack’s symbol representing Jack’s symbol representing

Jack and Dad together the protector
36
Student
worksheets
Australian flags (in separate parts)

HSIE
11
Aboriginal Flag
Torres Strait
Islander Flag
Australian Flag
37
Student
worksheets
Australian Flags (assembled)
HSIE
12
Aboriginal Flag
Torres Strait
Islander Flag
Australian Flag
38
Student
worksheets
Aboriginal community symbols and logos

HSIE
13
39
Student
worksheets
Community symbols and logos
HSIE
14
40
Topic 4
Families: our heritage

Task:
To investigate and identify the diversity of Aboriginal families and
cultural groups.
Materials required:
• Text: Rak Niwili (provided in kit)
• Tape: Rak Niwili (provided in kit)
• Student worksheet 15
• Overhead 1
• Chart, paper and pens

• Ask students to name some ways in which we can Explains how shared customs,
communicate to each other without using writing. practices, symbols, languages
Record ideas on a chart and display on the wall. contribute to Australian and
• Introduce Rak Niwili and look at text in terms of families. • explains the contribution of
(Rak Niwili is also available in the NSW Board of Studies customs, symbols, practices,
Aboriginal Literacy Kit.) languages and traditions to
Talking identity
the identity of the boy, Niwili.
Investigate the cover of the book, Rak Niwili.
What can you tell me about the cover?
Who might the characters be?
What could the story tell us?
Can you name the animals?
Could the child and animals be special to each other? Why
or why not?
What does the background tell us about the story’s origin?
• Read Rak Niwili to the class.
Ask students to locate places on the map shown at the back

of the book.
Display Overhead 1.
With the class, using the book, locate where each character
comes from. Next to each location write the character’s name.
Where does Niwili come from?
What connection does Niwili’s name have to his family?
Does anyone in the class have a name given to them that
has a special meaning?
[Note: Niwili is an ancestral name from Marrityefin language

group from Moyle River. “Rak” means “family belonging to” in
Ngangiwumerri or Ngangikurungkurr languages.] 41
Topic 4 continued
Families: our heritage

• Evaluate, through discussion, the effectiveness of the book ENS2.5

presentation. Describes places in the local
area and other parts of
Possible discussion points: Ask students… Australia and explains their
Why do you think the author has chosen not to place the significance.
title on the front cover? • recognises that Aboriginal
Do we need to have the title on the front cover? Why or why nations and boundaries are a
not? way of understanding the
Australian continent
• Display Overhead 1 and demonstrate steps involved in • locates rivers, cities and places
students recording information on Worksheet 15. using locational terminology,
such as north, south, east or
Using the book and/or Overhead 1 have students record on west.
Worksheet 15, next to each character’s name:
their totem or animal
their location (where they are from)
their language group or nation
the direction they must travel to get to Niwili’s party (i.e.
north or south-east etc…).
• Display students’ work.
• Have students listen to the tape recording of Rak Niwili.

Students can then follow on Aboriginal languages map, the
nations, from which the characters come and through which
they travel to get to Niwili’s party.
42
Student
worksheets
Character profile
HSIE
15
Name Animal Location or Nation or Direction
totem place name language group travelled
Alice
Rigney
Alma
Ridgeway
Adrian
Tucker
Graeme
Mooney
Mary
Kannji
Robert
Compton
Maka
Bauman
Jackie
Nabbityn
43
Topic 5
Belonging to country
Task:
To appreciate the environment using the body’s senses and to recognise
the diversity of environments that Aboriginal communities live in.
Materials required:
• Student worksheets 16, 17 18, 19, 20 & 21
• Text: Rak Niwili (provided in kit)
• Blindfold for student
Lesson activities ENS2.6

• Organise an excursion to the playground. Describes people’s interactions
with environments and
Have students work in groups of 3, taking turns at being: identifies responsible ways of
• an investigator interacting with environments.
• a reporter • describes features of the
• a writer. environment using key
concepts in an experiential
Activity 1: Worksheet 16 situation.
Investigator sits blindfolded on the ground. Smells the air.
Investigator explains to the reporter the sensations of smells in

the environment which he or she experiences.
The reporter relays key concept words to the writer, who notes
points.
TRIAD GROUPS CHANGE ROLES
Activity 2: Worksheet 16
The blindfolded investigator listens to the sounds of the
environment. The investigator can either stay in one location or
can move with the assistance of the reporter.
The investigator explains to the reporter the sense of sound

experienced.
The reporter relays key concept words to writer, who notes

these.
TRIAD GROUPS CHANGE ROLES
Activity 3: Worksheet 16
The blindfolded investigator takes off shoes and feels the
sensation of the environment with hands and feet.
The investigator explains to the reporter the sensations

experienced.
The reporter relays the key concept words to the writer, who
notes these.
44
Topic 5 continued
Belonging to country
• Have students bring the key concepts back to the classroom. ENS2.5
Describes places in the local
Ask the reporter from each section to meet with the reporters area and other parts of
from other groups (for the same sense) to discuss findings Australia and explains their
between each of the groups. significance.
• describes different
Have each group transfer the key concepts onto Worksheets environments of Aboriginal
17, 18, 19, in either written or pictorial. These worksheets communities around
can then be made into posters. Australia.
• Display posters. ENS2.6

Describes people’s interactions
• Reintroduce Rak Niwili. with environments and
identifies responsible ways of
Review the countries to which each family member belongs. interacting with environments.
• demonstrates an aesthetic
Choose one of the characters and look at the type of awareness of environments,
environment in which that character lives, e.g. coastal, bush, both natural and built,
river etc. relating these environments to
their key body senses.
Brainstorm:
What would the environment look like? (water, trees, rocks
etc.)
What would the environment sound like? (waves crashing,
birds chirping)
What would the environment feel like? (hot, windy, sandy)
Talking identity
What would the environment smell like? (dusty, wet, salty)
Have students list their responses on Worksheet 20.
• Using Worksheet 21 ask students to write places they regard

as special to them, e.g. home, cubby house, Uncle’s house,
Nanna’s house etc…
Next to each place ask students to write what makes each

place special:
• Feels like…
• Sounds like…
• Smells like…
• Looks like…
Note: It is important at the end of this lesson to introduce to

students the concept of Aboriginal peoples’ special
relationship with the land. This relationship is part of the
Dreaming that was examined in Topic 1. Please refer to
Appendix 4 for background information.
45
Student
worksheets
Investigating the environment
HSIE
16
Sense of smell Sense of sound Sense of feel or touch
Investigator: Investigator: Investigator:
Reporter: Reporter: Reporter:
Writer: Writer: Writer:
Report Report Report
46
Student
worksheets
Key concepts: Smell

HSIE
17
Smells like…
47
Student
worksheets
Key concepts: Hearing
HSIE
18
Sounds like…
48
Student
worksheets
Key concepts: Touch

HSIE
19
Feels like…
49
Student
worksheets
Rak Niwili: Special place
HSIE
20
Character from Rak Niwili:
Place looks like… Feels like… Sounds like… Smells like…
50
Student
worksheets
Student: Special places

HSIE
21
Special place
1. Feels like…
Sounds like…
Smells like…
Looks like…
2. Feels like…
Sounds like…
Smells like…
Looks like…
51
Topic 6
Roles, rules and responsibilities

Task:
To investigate and identify the roles and responsibilities of some
community groups.
Materials required:
• Student worksheets 22, 23 & 24
• Text: The bunyip (Appendix 3)
• Text: The little flying fox (Appendix 1)
Pre-lesson preparation CCS2.2

• Invite an Aboriginal Elder, local Aboriginal community Explains changes in the
member or Aboriginal performer in to be interviewed by community and family life, and
students. This visit will be an opportunity for the guest evaluates the effects of these
speaker to discuss the different roles and responsibilities they on different individuals, groups
have been taught during their lifetime. and environments.
• identifies and expands key
Develop a set of questions for the guest speaker through concepts of roles and
discussion with students. The guest speaker needs to be responsibilities taught to
briefed beforehand about the questions and have the content Aboriginal community
and context of the lesson explained. Please “talk through” the members.
lesson with the guest speaker. This will benefit the teacher,
guest speaker and students. CUS2.3
Explains how shared customs,
[Note: Supply the guest with a copy of the questions to be practices, symbols, languages
asked prior to the visit.] and traditions in communities
contribute to Australian and
Lesson activities community identities.
• Have students interview the visiting speaker about family life, • identifies and explains rules
rules of family and roles in the family. from the text, The bunyip.
On Worksheet 22 ask students to record the key concepts

during the interview.
Invite the guest speaker to stay for rest of lesson.
• Read the Dreaming story, The bunyip (Appendix 3).
• Discuss the main concepts of The bunyip.
Brainstorm: Ask students…

What was the rule?
Who made the rule?
Why did they have that rule?
What can happen if you disobey a rule?
Ask students to complete the top section of the table from

Worksheet 23, to explain “the rules of the Elders” from The
bunyip.
52
Topic 6 continued
Roles, rules and responsibilities

• Discuss and record other rules we have in the community on SSS2.8

the retrieval chart on Worksheet 23. Investigates rights,
• Write the class rules. responsibilities and decision
• Write the school rules. making processes in the school
• Write the rules students have at home. and community, and
• Optional box for other rules students may have in their local demonstrates how participation
community, e.g. soccer or netball club etc. can contribute to the equality
of their school and community
Display “rules worksheet”, Worksheet 23, in classroom. life.
• gathers information about
• Using Worksheet 24, have the class jointly fill out each rules from the text, The
section based on The bunyip: bunyip, and discusses and
• Students write the title of the book. records how these rules relate
• They list the characters in order of appearance. to school and home
• They write a short phrase or sentence to describe the main • contributes to decision
point or moral of the story. making processes in the class,
• They illustrate their favourite section of the book. school and community.
Note: One purpose for Dreaming stories is to establish rules CUS2.4

governing relationships between people, the land and all Describes different viewpoints,
things for Aboriginal peoples. ways of living, languages and
belief systems in a variety of
• Ask students to read The little flying fox (Appendix 1) communities.
• listens to a Dreaming story
• Using the information from The fittle flying fox, have the and, using information from
students, in groups, complete Worksheet 24, following the that story, constructs a story
Talking identity
guidelines of The bunyip. of their own highlighting the
importance of rules and
• Using The Aboriginal languages and countries map in NSW, responsibilities in the
have students locate the areas in which Dreaming stories, The community.
bunyip and The little flying fox, originated.
Note: The bunyip is a Dreaming story from the Wiradjuri

Nation. The little flying fox is a Dreaming story shared by a
number of language groups in the far north of NSW and over
the Queensland border.
Lesson extensions
• After the interview with the Elder or community member,
discuss and expand recorded material with more detail.
Read and review recordings to jointly construct the Elder or

community member’s oral history.
• Have students, in pairs, develop their own story plan, using

the model from Worksheet 25. The students can then create
their own story based on this model.
53
Student
worksheets
Key concepts
HSIE
22
Guest speaker ____________________________________________
Key concepts Expand in more detail, using an example

where there has been a change
1. Family life
2. Rules in family
3. Roles and
responsibilities in
family
54
Student
worksheets
Rules
HSIE
23
Bunyip
Class
School
Home
Option
55
Student
worksheets
Story: Characters and setting
HSIE
24
Title: _____________________________________________________
Detail of the characters and setting: Main point or moral of the story:
Illustration:
56
Topic 7
Who we are: identity, racism and

prejudice
Task:
To investigate different concepts relating to who we are.
Materials required:
• Student worksheets 25, 26, 27.

• Group students (approx. 5 per group) and, using Worksheet Describes different viewpoints,
25, give each student one of the following words with its ways of living, languages and
meaning: belief systems in a variety of
• racism communities.
• identity • recognises and understanding
• discrimination the meaning of key words
• prejudice relating to identity, racism and
• stereotyping. prejudice
• gives examples of
• Using Worksheet 25, have students cut the word sections generalisations and
from the meaning sections and mix them up. Students then stereotyping.
Talking identity
have to correctly match the words to their meanings. Groups
discuss results.
• Conduct a class discussion, reading out each of the words and

its meaning. Discuss the meanings of each of the words.
• Generalisations & stereotyping
Introduce students to the concept of generalisations. Ask

students to name a food they don’t like and ask them to
describe it. Come up with generalisations such as:
Sweet potatoes taste terrible.
Sweet potatoes are orange in colour.
Therefore, all orange foods taste terrible.
Introduce and discuss a generalisation that has to do with

cultural identity such as:
Joe Flick is quiet.
Joe Flick is Italian.
Therefore, all Italians are quiet.
Discuss with students that once a generalisation becomes

fixed in people’s minds it may become a stereotype.
57
Topic 7 continued
Who we are: identity, racism and

prejudice
• Stereotyping CUS2.4
Describes different viewpoints,
Ask students to complete the stereotype-fact test ways of living, languages and
Worksheet 26. belief systems in a variety of
communities.
Refresh students’ memories by giving them a definition of • identifies examples of
stereotype or, better yet, have them provide you with their own statements promoting
definition of the term. stereotypes
• constructs a mind map that
Give students a copy of the test. Ask them to mark an “S” shows an understanding of
before statements that are examples of stereotyping and an the concepts of identity,
“F” before those which are facts. In the following discussion, racism and prejudice
explain in detail why each of the statements are facts or • identifies examples of systemic
stereotypes or, even better, have the students explain why. unfairness, e.g. discrimination
based on race, skin colour,
• Discrimination and prejudice language, religion or gender.
Refresh students’ memories by giving them a definition of

discrimination or, better yet, have them provide you with their
own definition of the term.
Ask students to identify all the types of people they think are
discriminated against in our society. From their responses
make a list on the board. Include on the list racial and ethnic
groups, some religious groups, handicapped people, poor
people, old people, children and certain language and cultural
groups.
Have the students identify some of the ways in which these

people are discriminated against. Finish the discussion with
suggested positive changes that can be made to overcome
each of these examples of discrimination.
• Identity
Using Worksheet 27, direct students in constructing a mind

map of all the things that they think shape their identity,
including any negative stereotyping, prejudices and
discrimination that they or members of their family might have
been exposed to.
58
Student
worksheets
Definitions
HSIE
25
racism When one cultural group of people treats
another cultural group of people badly. They
do this because they falsely believe they are
better than the other group.
identity All those parts of ourself that are strong and

positive, as well as negative. All the things
that we belong to and all those things that
belong to us. Who we are!
discrimination When one person or group is treated

differently from another group. This is harmful
if the person or group is treated badly for no
good reason.
prejudice Usually an angry feeling or action towards a

person who belongs to a certain group.
stereotyping When we regard everyone in a group as being

the same with no individual differences. This
is usually a negative way of looking at people.
59
Student
worksheets
Stereotype–fact test
HSIE
26
Statement Stereotype Fact
Most people over 65 are no longer employed full-

time.
Politicians are dishonest and can’t be trusted.
Africans are primitive and backward.
All Americans are rich.
People are poor because they are lazy and don’t

want to work.
The majority of the elected members of the

Australian Parliament are men.
People in wheelchairs can play sports like

basketball.
Aboriginal people are the original inhabitants of

Australia.
Boys are braver than girls.
Basketball can be played by both men and women.
60
Student
worksheets
Identity mind map

HSIE
27
?
Family
Who I
am
61
Topic 8
Diversity
Task:
To identify and investigate groups to which students belong, including
the family.
Materials required:
• Student worksheets 28, 29, 30, 31
• Overhead 4
Lesson activities CCS2.2

• Ask students to create flow charts of their lives, recording and Explains changes in the
including places where they have lived and significant events community and family life, and
in their lives. They use Worksheet 28. evaluates the effects of these
on different individuals, groups
• An example could be: and environments.
• I’m a baby in Ryde • outlines changes in students’
• I’m a toddler in Ryde lives and give an evaluation of
• I go to pre-school in Ryde the effects of these changes on
• I move to Broken Hill students’ lives.
• I go to school at Broken Hill PS.
ENS2.5
On Overhead 4 show students how Connie, an Aboriginal Describes places in the local
education worker, chose to show a flow chart of her life when area and other parts of
she put it down on paper. Connie’s friend, Rick, has also Australia and explains their
drawn his flow chart. Note: If students have lived in the same significance.
town all their lives but have moved streets, they could use a • identifies local Aboriginal
local area map for a flow chart. groups for areas where people
in the class have lived.
• Each student transfers information from Worksheet 28 onto
Worksheet 29, a map of NSW. Record where:
• students were born
• students live now
• family members live.
Note: If students were born outside NSW, they can draw an

arrow indicating the direction from NSW and then write name
of state, country etc.
Note: Be aware some students or their parents may be from a

“stolen generation”, foster family or adopted family and do not
wish to indicate this.
• Teacher and students evaluate the information from

Worksheet 29, and plot the language groups in which
students have lived or are living onto Worksheet 30, an
Aboriginal languages map of NSW. The map will need to be
enlarged so as to be a class resource.
• Discuss with students the name of:

• Aboriginal country where they were born.
• Aboriginal country where they went to school.
62 • Aboriginal country where their parents lived as children.
Topic 8 continued
Diversity
• With students, develop a concept map to demonstrate the ENS2.5

groups to which students belong. Describes places in the local
area and explains their
Demonstrate to the class, the use of a concept map of Jack significance.
from Topic Two, The fat and juicy place. • recognises that Aboriginal
language groups’ boundaries
On Worksheet 31 have students complete a concept map for are a way of understanding
themselves: Who am I? land and place.
Note: Cultural diversity is the varied and different beliefs, CUS2.4

attitudes, skills and tools by which communities structure their Describes different viewpoints,
lives and interact with their environment. ways of living, languages and
belief systems in a variety of
• Discuss cultural diversity by comparing students’ concept communities.
maps. • discusses and identifies the
cultural, linguistic and
Brainstorm: Ask students… religious diversity of
What are the similarities or differences? communities in Australia,
What is each student’s understanding of cultural diversity?
What does diversity mean?
Why is there such multicultural diversity in Australia?
Does Australia have other countries or nations in it?
Talking identity
63
Student
worksheets
Flow chart
HSIE
28
64
Student
worksheets
Map of NSW
HSIE
29
Tweed Heads
Macintyre Riv
er
Lismore
Moree
Gwydir
Ri Glen Innes
ve Grafton
Walgett r
Bourke Namoi Ri
ve
r
r Coffs Harbour
Castl
ve
Ri Armidale
Bogan
ereag
h
Tamworth
g
r lin
Da
Cobar
River
Taree
Broken Hill R
Dubbo
iv
er
Maitland
Parkes Newcastle
River
Orange
lan
ch Bathurst
La Gosford
Cowra Katoomba
SYDNEY
Wentworth
ee Griffith
r
Hay
Goulburn
Wagga Nowra
CANBERRA
M Deniliquin
ur
ra
y Batemans Bay
R iv e r
Moama Albury
Cooma
Bega
0 100 200 300 km Eden
65
Student
worksheets
HSIE
30 Aboriginal languages and countries in NSW
available. Consult with local Aboriginal
Gamilroy
community to ensure accuracy of
Kamilaroi
information and preferred spelling for
Dharug also spelt Dharuk local Aboriginal language.
Kuring-gai
Ku-ring-gai
66
Student
worksheets
Flow chart: Concept map: groups I belong to

HSIE
31
SELF
[optional: A photo of
student to be attached
in centre]
67
Topic 9
Let’s celebrate!
Task:
To celebrate the conclusion of the unit with community and parents.

• Invite the Aboriginal community members and parents who Explains how shared customs,
assisted the class with the unit to a celebration party where practices, symbols, languages
they can peruse all the information the class has compiled and traditions in communities
over the term. contribute to Australian and
A suggested food theme for the celebration part could be bush • gathers and displays
tucker mixed with a multicultural perspective, with students information that identifies the
bringing a plate of food from their own cultural background. diversity of the origins and
backgrounds of people in the
• Using the celebration song from Rak Niwili as a melody, local community
students insert their names and present the song to a school • gathers and displays
assembly or make a tape and present it to an Elder or information that records an
member of the Aboriginal community who has assisted the Aboriginal perspective of local
class with this unit. community history
• identifies local Aboriginal
• Have community members plant trees or shrubs as a start to community members and
the schools bush tucker or native vegetation garden. acknowledges their
contribution to community
• Initiate an oral history project where Aboriginal and non- and family life.
Aboriginal community members can record their local and
cultural history in words and pictures.
It may be possible to set up a wall of recorded oral history at a

prominent place in the school. This wall could be the focus of
a continuing record of local community history.
68
Aboriginal languages map of Australia (from
HSIE
OHT
1 Rak Niwili)
Darwin
Daly River
Moyle River
Ngangiwumerri/
Ngangikurungkurr
Mackay
Alice Springs
Broken River
Juipera
Brisbane
Torrens River
Kaurna
Perth
Sydney Manly
York Peninsula Adelaide
Murray River Canberra
Guringai
Narungga Yorta Yorta
Coorong
Ngarrindjeri Melbourne
69
Aboriginal languages and countries in NSW
HSIE
OHT
2
available. Consult with local Aboriginal
Gamilroy
community to ensure accuracy of
Kamilaroi
information and preferred spelling for
Dharug also spelt Dharuk local Aboriginal language.
Kuring-gai
Ku-ring-gai
70
Map of NSW
HSIE
OHT
3
Tweed Heads
Macintyre Riv
er
Lismore
Moree
Gwydir
Ri Glen Innes
ve Grafton
Walgett r
Bourke Namoi Ri
ve
r
r Coffs Harbour
Castl
ve
Ri Armidale
Bogan
ereag
h
Tamworth
g
r lin
Da
Cobar
River
Taree
Broken Hill R
Dubbo
iv
er
Maitland
Parkes Newcastle
River
Orange
lan
ch Bathurst
La Gosford
Cowra Katoomba
SYDNEY
Wentworth
ee Griffith
r
Hay
Goulburn
Wagga Nowra
CANBERRA
M Deniliquin
ur
ra
y Batemans Bay
R iv e r
Moama Albury
Cooma
Bega
0 100 200 300 km Eden
71
Connie’s and Rick’s flow chart
HSIE
OHT
4
72
Appendix 1
The little flying fox

Hello! My name is Pauline and I’m a storyteller. My favourite stories are
Dreaming stories. When you listen carefully, you can hear lessons that
come from the Dreaming. Here is a story from the Dreaming about the
little flying fox.
When the world was young, flying fox thought he was a bird.
He went to the Great Spirit who was here teaching the birds how to be
birds, like how to make nests, how to lay eggs, how to find food.
The little flying fox went over to the Great Spirit and asked him if he would
teach him how to be a bird.
The Great Spirit said, “You are not a bird you are a bat. I will teach you
how to be a bat.”
But the little flying fox would not listen.
Little flying fox got under the feet of the Great Spirit and cried out, “Teach
me to be a bird, I want to be a bird now!”
Well, the Great Spirit stopped. He picked the little flying fox up by his feet
and hung him upside down in the branch of a tree and left him there to
teach him a lesson.
When the Great Spirit had finished with all the birds he went over to the
little flying fox and said, ‘Have you learnt your lesson little flying fox? Do
you know that you are a bat and not a bird?’
But little flying fox had not learnt and he said, “I don’t care, I can hang
upside down forever if I want to. I still think I’m a bird!”
Well, the Great Spirit left the little flying fox hanging upside down in the
branches of trees forever, to remind him that he is not a bird, but a bat.
And that is the reason why the flying fox hangs upside down in the
branches of trees, instead of sitting the right way around like birds.
[The little flying fox is a Dreaming story shared by a number of language

groups in the far north of NSW and over the Queensland border.]
Published by
Board of Studies NSW
GPO Box 5300
Sydney NSW 2001
73
Appendix 2
Australian flags
Australian flag
Flag adopted: 14 April 1954 Flag proportion: 1:2
Australia’s first Federal flag was chosen from a national flag competition held in
1901. Five people submitted almost identical designs. These people were
declared joint winners and shared the prizemoney. They were Annie Dorrington,
Ivor Evans, Leslie Hawkins, Egbert Nuttall and William Stevens. The original
design has been changed three times since 1901. The present design was
officially adopted in 1954.
In the upper left-hand corner of the flag is the Union Jack. On the right-hand
side are 5 white stars, representing the Southern Cross, a constellation of stars
generally visible only in the southern hemisphere. Each of these stars has 7
points except for the smallest star, which has only five. Directly below the Union
Jack is a large 7-pointed white star called the Federation Star, representing the
federation of the colonies of Australia on 1 January 1901. There is one point for
each of the six original states, and one to represent all of Australia’s internal and
external territories.
Aboriginal flag
Flag adopted: 14 July 1995 (in use since 12 July 1971) Flag proportion: 2:3
The Aboriginal flag was designed by Harold Thomas, an Arrente man from
central Australia. It was first flown on National Aboriginal and Islander Day in
July 1971 in Adelaide, South Australia. The flag is symbolic to Aboriginal
people in a number of ways: the black represents the Aboriginal people, past,
present and future; the yellow represents the sun, the giver of life; the red
represents the earth, red ochre and the spiritual relationship to the land. The flag
became a powerful uniting symbol of identity for Aboriginal people across the
country when it was flown at the Aboriginal Embassy in Canberra in 1972.
The little red, yellow & black (and green and blue and white) book: a short
guide to Indigenous Australia, Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Studies, 1994, p. 12.
Torres Strait Islander flag

Flag adopted: 14 July 1995 (in use since 29 May 1992) Flag proportion: 2:3
The Torres Strait Islander flag was designed by Bernard Namok from Thursday
Island and launched in 1992. It features three horizontal bands, two of them
green for the land and one blue for the sea. These bands are separated by black
stripes which represent the people. A further symbol of all Torres Strait Islander
people is the white dhari—the traditional headdress. Underneath this is a white
five-pointed star which represents the five island groups: eastern, western,
central, Port Kennedy area and North Peninsula area.
The little red, yellow & black (and green and blue and white) book: a short
guide to Indigenous Australia, Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Studies, 1994, p. 13.
74
Appendix 3
The bunyip
In the Dreaming, there were two Koori children.
The boy was called Surrin and the girl was called Lulardeea.
They were from the Wiradjuri Nation.
The children were told by the Elders, “Never, ever go to the river alone.”
“Why?” they asked.
“Because a big, scary, hairy, hungry bunyip lives in the river and he likes to eat
children.”
One hot day the children decided to disobey their Elders and go for a swim in
the river.
On the way they met an old, dusty, jumping kangaroo.
“Where are you going?” asked the kangaroo.
“We are going to the river for a swim,” said the children.
“No, don’t go!” said the old, dusty, jumping kangaroo.
“A big, scary, hairy, hungry bunyip lives in the river and he will eat you.”
“Don’t be silly! We don’t believe in bunyips!” said the children.
Off they went on their way to the river.
Next they met a long-necked, long-legged, sharp-clawed emu.

“Where are you going?” asked the emu.
“We are going to the river for a swim,” said the children.
“No, don’t go!” said the long-necked, long-legged, sharp-clawed emu.
“A big, scary, hairy, hungry bunyip lives in the river and he will eat you.”
“Don’t be silly! We don’t believe in bunyips!” said the children.
At last they came to the river.

The children began taking off their clothes.
Suddenly a big, fat, golden cod poked his head out of the water and said, “What
are you doing?”
“We are going for a swim,” said the children.
“No, don’t go!” said the big, fat, golden cod. “There’s a big, scary, hairy, hungry
bunyip who lives in the river and he will eat you.”
“Don’t be silly!” said the children, and into the river they dived.
And do you know, the cod was the last one to see those children.
So you must never ever go swimming without an older person with you, and
never, ever go swimming alone and always obey your Elders!
[A Dreaming story, Wiradjuri Nation (Narrandera)]

This story is dedicated to the memory of William Archibold Lyons
who told this Dreaming story to his children.
Published by
Board of Studies NSW
GPO Box 5300
Sydney NSW 2001
75
Appendix 4
Living with the land

Over thousands of years of careful observation of their environment,
Aboriginal people developed a detailed knowledge of food and water
sources and created a wide range of tools. This is a “technology”, a
valuable “how to” manual for the Australian environment and is the very
foundation of one of the oldest human cultures in the world.
Aboriginal people do not separate themselves from the workings of their

environment. Technology, spirituality, family and lawmaking are all part of
the same body of knowledge. There is no separation between the health of
the land and the health of the people. They have long known that to care
for the environment is to care for all the living things; that all life is part of
the enormous network of relationships that were created by the Great Spirit
ancestors of the Dreaming.
Aboriginal people know too, that the Dreaming ancestors created the
whole pattern of life and gave them the law which is still followed today.
They know that by honouring the powers of the ancestral beings in special
ceremonies, the land and its life forms will continue. Without these
ceremonies, they believe that the cycles of life will cease to exist.
Towards a new Dreaming… future directions for land management

in Australia, Clean Up Australia Ltd, 1995, p. 10.
76
References
Brook, J. & Kohen, J.L., (1991) The Parramatta Native Institution and the Black
Town: a history, New South Wales University Press, Kensington.
Butt, P. & Eagleson, R., (1996) Mabo: What the High Court said and what the
Government did, Federation Press, Annandale.
Cunneen, C. & Libesman, T., (1995) Indigenous people and the law in Australia,
Butterworths, Sydney.
Curriculum Support Directorate, NSW Department of Education and Training, (1999)

Talkin’ language: the revival and maintenance of Aboriginal languages in New
South Wales, NSW Department of Education and Training, Sydney. (video and
booklet).
Dewdney, A. & Michels, D., (1988) More than black and white: racism and everyday
life. Inner City Education Centre, Sydney.
Flannery, T. (ed.), (1996) 1788: Comprising a narrative of the expedition to Botany

Bay and a complete account of the settlement at Port Jackson, Watkin Tench, Text
Publishing.
Green, J., (1999) What do we think about racism? Wayland.
Goodall, H., (1996) Invasion to embassy: land in Aboriginal politics in NSW 1770–
1972, Allen and Unwin, in association with Black Books, St Leonards.
Talking identity
Horton, D. (ed), (1994) The Encyclopedia of Aboriginal Australia, Aboriginal Studies
Press, Canberra. (also available in CD-ROM format).
Jonas, B., Langton, M. & AIATSU staff, (1993)The little red, yellow, black, (and green
and blue and white) book, Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Studies, Canberra.
Meredith, J., (1989) The last Kooradgie: Moyengully, chief man of the Gundungurra
Peoples, Kangaroo Press, Kenthurst NSW.
Murdoch, K., (1999) Knowing me, knowing you. Detlasta Publishing.
National directory of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, (1997) 1997–
1998, IPR Shadwick Pty Ltd.
Parbury, N., (1986) Survival: a history of Aboriginal life in NSW, Ministry of Aboriginal
Affairs (NSW), Sydney.
Sanders, P. & Myers, S., (2000) Racism. Franklin Watts, London.
Smith, K., (1992) King Bungaree: a Sydney Aborigine meets the great South Pacific
explorers 1799–1830, Kangaroo Press, Kenthurst NSW.
77
Wheatley, N., (1967) My place. Longman Press, South Melbourne.
Contacts
NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc.
37 Cavendish Street
Stanmore NSW 2048
Phone: (02) 9550 5666

Fax: (02) 9550 3361
Internet: http://www.nswaecg.com.au
E-mail: [email protected]
The NSW AECG is an Aboriginal community-based organisation made
up of volunteer members who are involved in local and regional AECGs
throughout the State. For twenty years the NSW AECG has been
recognised as the peak body in Aboriginal education and the principal
source of advice on Aboriginal education and training issues.
The AECG network includes:

• Aboriginal independent providers
• Office of the Board of Studies NSW
• Board of Vocational Education and Training
• Catholic Education Commission
• Early Childhood Education
• NSW Department of Education and Training (NSW DET)
• NSW TAFE Commission
• Universities.
The NSW AECG represents NSW community views on all education and
training. The AECG has the mandate to provide Aboriginal community-
based advice on all Aboriginal education and training in NSW from early
childhood through schooling to all tertiary and community education.
Each year the NSW AECG Inc. convenes two State Committee Meetings
and one Annual General Meeting to receive reports from providers and
address issues on Aboriginal education and training.
Local AECGs feed into eighteen regional AECG meetings that are held
throughout the year. All people involved in Aboriginal education and
training are encouraged to be members of their local AECG
Committees.
Association Executive Secretariat

President Executive Officer
Vice President Administration Officer
Secretary Field Officer
Treasurer President’s Assistant
Executive Members (5) Research Officer
78 Administrative Assistant NATSIEP Project Officer
NSW AECG Inc. Representative Regions
Metropolitan East Region Upper South Coast Region
Metropolitan West Region Lower South Coast Region
Metropolitan North Region Western 1 Region
Metropolitan South West Region Western 2 Region
North West 1 Region Western 3 Region
North West 2 Region Riverina 1 Region
Hunter Region Riverina 2 Region
Upper North Coast Region Riverina 3 Region
Lower North Coast Region Manning Region
NSW AECG Inc. Committees
Strategic Planning Coordinating Committee (SPCC)

Inter-departmental Committee on Otitis Media (IDCOM)
Talking identity
79
DET Consultants in Aboriginal Education
Central Coast District Office Mt Druitt District Office

Level 3, 40 Mann Street Hindemith Avenue
GOSFORD NSW 2250 EMERTON NSW 2770
Phone: 4348 9100 Phone: 9835 7444
Fax: 4348 9199 Fax: 9628 2413
Clarence/Coffs Harbour District Office Newcastle District Office

Mary Street Cnr Glebe & Brunker Rds
(PO Box 275) (PO Box 82)
GRAFTON NSW 2460 ADAMSTOWN NSW 2289
Phone: 6641 5000 Phone: 4904 3900
Fax: 6641 5099 Fax: 4904 3950
Dubbo District Office Port Jackson District Office

State Office Block Church Street
Carrington Avenue ST PETERS NSW 2044
(PO Box 865) Phone: 9582 5800
DUBBO NSW 2830 Fax: 9582 5899
Phone: 6883 6300
Fax: 6884 3787 Shellharbour District Office
Cnr Shellharbour &
Griffith District Office Lake Entrance Rds
Government Offices (PO Box 118)
104–110 Banna Avenue WARILLA NSW 2528
GRIFFITH NSW 2680 Phone: 4251 9900
Phone: 6961 8100 Fax: 4251 9945
Fax: 6964 1386
Tamworth District Office
Liverpool District Office Level 2, Noel Park House
Roy Watts Road 155–157 Marius Street
(PO Box 21) (PO Box 370)
GLENFIELD NSW 2167 TAMWORTH NSW 2340
Phone: 9203 9900 Phone: 6755 5000
Fax: 9203 9999 Fax: 6755 5020
80
DET Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers
Albury District Office Campbelltown District Office

521 Macauley Street Cnr Lindesay & Lithgow Streets
ALBURY NSW 2640 CAMPBELLTOWN NSW 2560
Phone: 6041 1919 Phone: 4633 2700
Fax: 6041 3258 Fax: 4633 2749
Armidale District Office Central Coast District Office (2 ACLOs)

North Power Building Level 3, 40 Mann Street
175 Rusden Street GOSFORD NSW 2250
ARMIDALE NSW 2350 Phone: 4348 9100
Phone: 6776 4100 Fax: 4348 9199
Fax: 6776 4145
Clarence/Coffs Harbour District Office
Batemans Bay District Office Mary Street
15a, Citi Centre (PO Box 275)
Orient Street GRAFTON NSW 2460
BATEMANS BAY NSW 2356 Phone: 6641 5000
Phone: 4475 3300 Fax: 6641 5099
Fax: 4475 3340
Coomealla High School
Bathurst District Office Siver City Highway
Cnr George & Rocket Streets DARETON NSW 2717
(PO Box 702) Phone: (03) 5027 4506
BATHURST NSW 2795 Fax: (03) 5027 4837
Phone: 6334 8200
Fax: 6332 1766 Dubbo District Office
State Office Block
Blacktown District Office Carrington Avenue
Talking identity
Cnr Lucas Road & Morris Street (PO Box 865)
SEVEN HILLS NSW 2147 DUBBO NSW 2830
Phone: 9624 9111 Phone: 6883 6300
Fax: 9674 8594 Fax: 6884 3787
Bondi District Office Griffith District Office

5 Wellington Street Government Offices
BONDI NSW 2026 104–110 Banna Avenue
Phone: 9298 6900 GRIFFITH NSW 2680
Fax: 9298 6940 Phone: (02) 6961 8100
Fax: (02) 6964 1386
Broken Hill District Office
4 Sulphide Street Lake Macquarie District Office
(PO Box 459) Cnr Smith & Frederick Streets
BROKEN HILL NSW 2880 (PO Box 543)
Phone: (08) 8087 3300 CHARLESTOWN NSW 2290
Fax: (08) 8087 9166 Phone: 4947 4000
Fax: 6625 2078
81
Lismore District Office Port Macquarie District Office
154 Ballina Road Findlay Avenue
(PO Box 4029) (PO Box 1586)
GOONELLABAH NSW 2480 PORT MACQUARIE 2444
Phone: 6624 0400 Phone: 6586 6900
Fax: 6625 2078 Fax: 6586 6999
Liverpool District Office Queanbeyan District Office

Roy Watts Road Level 1, City Link Plaza
(PO Box 21) 24–36 Morriset Street
GLENFIELD NSW 2167 QUEENBEYAN NSW 2620
Phone: 9203 9900 Phone: 6200 5000
Fax: 9203 9999 Fax: 6299 0412
Mt Druitt District Office Shellharbour District Office

Hindemith Avenue Cnr Shellharbour & Lake Entrance Rds
EMERTON NSW 2770 (PO Box 118)
Phone: 9835 7444 WARILLA NSW 2528
Fax: 9628 2413 Phone: 4251 9900
Fax: 4251 9945
Moree District Office
66-68 Frome Street Tamworth District Office
(PO Box 207) Level 2, Noel Park House
MOREE NSW 2400 155–157 Marius Street
Phone: 6752 3300 (PO Box 370)
Fax: 6752 4615 TAMWORTH NSW 2340
Phone: 6755 5000
Newcastle District Office Fax: 6755 5020
Cnr Glebe & Brunker Rds
(PO Box 82) Taree District Office
ADAMSTOWN NSW 2289 Middle Street
Phone: 4904 3900 (PO Box 661)
Fax: 4904 3950 FORSTER NSW 2428
Phone: 6555 2001
Nyngan High School Fax: 6555 6905
Cobar Street
NYNGAN NSW 2825 Wagga Wagga District Office
Phone: 6832 1004 Level 2, Morgan Street
Fax: 6832 1769 (PO Box 478)
WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650
Penrith District Office Phone: 6937 3800
Cnr Henry & Evan Streets Fax: 6937 3899
PENRITH NSW 2750
Phone: 4724 8799 Walgett High School
Fax: 4724 8777 Arthur Street
WALGETT NSW 2832
Port Jackson District Office Phone: 6828 1022
Church Street Fax: 6828 1994
ST PETERS NSW 2044
Phone: 9582 5800
Fax: 9582 5899
82
NSW Regional Aboriginal Land Councils
Central Regional Aboriginal North West Regional
Land Council Aboriginal Land Council
Cnr Wingewarra & Darling Streets 87 Wilga Street
DUBBO NSW 2830 PO Box 449
Phone: 6882 9350 COONAMBLE NSW 2829
Fax: 6882 9371 Phone: 6822 2119
Fax: 6822 2322
Central Coast Regional
Aboriginal Land Council South Coast Regional
Suite 7, 2nd Floor Aboriginal Land Council
Cnr John & Belgrave Streets PO Box 1092
KEMPSEY NSW 2440 NOWRA NSW 2541
Phone: 6562 5496 Phone: 4422 6162
Fax: 6562 4223 Fax: 4422 7008
Far North Coast Regional Western Regional

Aboriginal Land Council Aboriginal Land Council
25 Orion Street Appin Station via Menindee
PO Box 494 PO Box 59
LISMORE NSW 2480 MENINDEE NSW 2879
Phone: 6622 1010 Phone: (08) 8091 4541
Fax: 6622 1931 Fax: (08) 8091 4500
Far South Coast Regional Western Metropolitan

Aboriginal Land Council Regional Aboriginal Land Council
PO Box 388 33 Argyle Street
BATEMANS BAY NSW 2536 PARRAMATTA NSW 2150
Phone: 4472 2955 Phone: 9689 4444
Fax: 4472 9950 Fax: 9806 0442
Talking identity
Northern Regional Wiradjuri Regional
143 Loder Street 153 Docker Street
QUIRINDI NSW 2343 WAGGA WAGGA NSW 2650
Phone: 6746 1668 Phone: 6921 6544
Fax: 6746 2525 Fax: 6921 7903
Murray River Regional Sydney / Newcastle Regional

77 Echuca Street 33 Argyle Street
MOAMA NSW 2731 PARRAMATTA NSW 2150
Phone: 5480 9155 Phone: 9689 4444
Fax: 5480 9177 Fax: 9687 1234
Northern Tablelands Regional

Aboriginal Land Council
172a Marsh Street
PO Box 596
ARMIDALE NSW 2350
Phone: 6772 7666
Fax: 6772 7342
83
Additional contacts
Department of Aboriginal Affairs Aboriginal Hostels Ltd
Level 5 Level 5
83 Clarence Street 126 Chalmers Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000 SURRY HILLS NSW 2010
Phone: 9290 8700 Phone: 9310 2777
Fax: 9262 2690 Fax: 9310 3044
NSW Department of Health Powerhouse Museum

Aboriginal Health Branch Education and Visitor Services
73 Miller Street Project Officer (Indigenous)
NORTH SYDNEY NSW 2060 Curator, Head, Koori History and Culture
Phone: 9391 9496 500 Harris Street
Fax: 9391 9480 ULTIMO NSW 2007
Phone: 9217 0444
NSW Board of Studies Fax: 9217 0441
Aboriginal Curriculum Unit
Level 3 Australian Museum
117 Clarence Street Aboriginal Education Officer
SYDNEY NSW 2000 6 College Street
Phone: 9367 8111 SYDNEY NSW 2000
Fax: 9367 8435 Phone: 9320 6000
Fax: 9320 6072
Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation
Locked Bag 14 Museum of Sydney
KINGSTON ACT 2604 Curator, Aboriginal
Phone: 1800 807 071 (toll free) 37 Phillip Street
Fax: 6271 5168 (cnr Bridge Street)
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Phone: 9251 5988
Commission Fax: 9251 5966
PO Box 17
WODEN ACT 2606 The Art Gallery of
Phone: 6289 1222 New South Wales
Fax: 6281 0772 Curator of Aboriginal Art
Art Gallery Road
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity SYDNEY NSW 2000
Commission Phone: 9225 1700
133 Castlereagh Street Fax: 9221 6226
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Phone: 9284 9600 Museum of Contemporary Art
Fax: 9284 9611 Curator, Aboriginal Programs
Manager
Curriculum Corporation 140 George Street
Aboriginal Education Project CIRCULAR QUAY NSW 2000
141 Rathdowne Street Phone: 9252 4033
CARLTON VIC 3053 Fax: 9252 4062
Phone: (03) 9207 9600
Fax: (03) 9639 1616
84
The State Library of New South Wales Women for Wik
Mitchell Library PO Box 154
Aboriginal Field Librarians BALMAIN NSW 2041
Macquarie Street Phone: 9810 3922
SYDNEY NSW 2000 Fax: 9810 3033
Phone: 9273 1414
Fax: 9233 2003 Australians for Native Title
GPO Box 1211
Boomalli Aboriginal Artist Cooperative SYDNEY NSW 1043
191 Parramatta Road Phone: 9236 8175
ANNANDALE NSW 2018 Fax: 9810 7341
Phone: 9698 2047
Fax: 9698 8031 Black Books
266 Glebe Point Road
Eora Centre for Aboriginal Studies GLEBE NSW 2037
333 Abercrombie Street Phone: 9660 2396
CHIPPENDALE NSW 2008 Fax: 9660 0120
Phone: 9217 4878
Fax: 9217 4072
Australian Broadcasting Commission
AIATSIS (ABC)
(Australian Institute of Aboriginal & Indigenous Programs Unit
Torres Strait Islander Studies) 221 Pacific Highway
GPO Box 553 GORE HILL NSW 2065
CANBERRA ACT 2601 Phone: 9950 4014
Phone: 6246 1111 Fax: 9950 4019
Fax: 6249 7310
Friends of Tranby
Tranby Cooperative College for
Aboriginal students
Talking identity
13 Mansfield Street
GLEBE NSW 2037
Phone: 9660 3444
Fax: 96601924
85

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Talking identity

NSW Department of Education and Training

Talking identity: teacher’s handbook is a component of the Talking

Restricted waiver of copyright

The printed material in this publication is subject to a restricted waiver of

1. All copies of the printed material shall be made without alteration or

3. The restricted waiver of copyright is not transferable and may be

ISBN: 0 7313 7088 0

This teacher’s handbook is a component of the Talking identity kit

Throughout the unit emphasis has been placed on community

The unit is based on the Stage 2 outcomes in the K–6 syllabus in

Some of the indicators may be found in the syllabus. Teachers are

The unit consists of nine topics, each organised as follows:

“Materials required” has been included as a guide to the resources

The section “Teacher’s notes and background information” gives the

Also listed are a number of books which could be used to extend

Talking identity (Stage 2 for Aboriginal Australia) is part of a set of

Illustration and artwork:

(extract from Aboriginal education training &

“Aboriginality is not just a physical manifestation of Aboriginal identity,

(extract from Aboriginal education training &

(statement from Dewdney, A. & Michels, D.

“Identity in Koori Society is based on relationship to land and the clan

(statement from Horton, D. (ed)

1996 Aboriginal Education Policy

Educational outcomes for • Researching appropriate methodology and content across

Culturally appropriate teaching • Incorporation of knowledge from local Aboriginal

All students participate in • Preparation of and provision to schools of curriculum

Consultation and protocol with Aboriginal

Most Aboriginal communities have rules embedded in their culture. To

To gain the most effective outcomes in the consultation process it is

Teacher’s Handbook: BIG MOB BOOKS

Of more than 250 different Indigenous languages and 500 to 600

According to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Survey

Map of Aboriginal languages and nations in NSW

Few English speakers have been prepared to learn Aboriginal

On many of the missions and reserves, Aboriginal people were

Many communities over time have had to develop variants of Aboriginal

Language use in Aboriginal Australia is very much a factor of kinship.

For further information on NSW Aboriginal languages view the video

Dreaming is the embodiment of Aboriginal creation which

Dreaming is a non-Aboriginal word. Each language group has its own

Dreaming stories are a part of this complexity. Dreaming stories are a

Teachers should be aware that some Aboriginal students might find it

Teachers should be sensitive to the fact that children’s parents and

Before recording an Aboriginal Dreaming story in any way, permission

Teacher’s Handbook: BIG MOB BOOKS

Aboriginality Aboriginality is much more than a physical manifestation of

AECG (NSW) The Aboriginal Education Consultative Group Inc. (AECG) is a

art Aboriginal arts are many sided and inter-connected. In pre-contact

colonisation The intentional occupation of land by a foreign country.1

community(ies) Important elements of a community are country, family ties and

discrimination When one person or group is treated differently from another

(the) Dreaming The embodiment of Aboriginal creation that gives meaning to

Elder Elders are custodians of knowledge. They are chosen and

kinship A key aspect of Aboriginal cultures and values. It includes the

land The term land is used by Aboriginal people to describe their

lore The learning and transmission of cultural heritage.4

NATSI Week National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration (NAIDOC)