Introduction
Indigenous Experience
Aboriginal culture is one of the oldest surviving cultures in the world. The Aboriginal people lived in harmony with the Aboriginal landscape for many thousands of years and their creation stories were passed from generation to generation.
However, Aboriginal culture was threatened when the Europeans invaded Australia is 1788. The spread of European society, agriculture and technology across the continent involved the desecration of the sacred landscape and the disappearance of many Aboriginal sites of worship.
The hundreds of tribes that existed before the arrival of the First Fleet were subjected to massacre and dispossession from their land. When that failed to destroy Aboriginal society, the cruel process called 'assimilation' was used to seperate children from their families and to scatter communities.
In the face of these terrible difficulties, the Aboriginal people have proven to be one of the great survivors of the 20th century. While they still face racism, a lack of political power and dispossession from their land, Aboriginal people have confronted the challenge of changing white attitudes through stories, plays and poems. As a result, the Aboriginal struggle for equalty, their beliefs in the Dreaming and their special relationship with the land and its creatures has been made accessible to all Australians.
This Webquest aims to educate you about the langauge groups, cultural practices and history of Aboriginal people. It will provide you with the context needed to successfully complete the Indigenous Experience unit and will broaden your understanding of this remakable culture.
Task
Task
In pairs, you have the task of conducting research about the language groups, cultural practices and history of Indigenous Australians. You will notice in the 'process' section that the research about language groups and cultural practices will be written in your books. However, the research about Indigenous history will need to be organised into a word document that can be printed and displayed in the classroom.
It is important to note that this is an in class task. You will be provided with only 6 lessons so you will need to work hard to ensure your research is complete in time.
Good luck!!
Process
Process
Follow these steps in order to complete this task. You can see that I have organised the work you will need to complete under lesson titles. This will assist you in completing the task by the end of the sixth lesson. I have also included links to websites you may use to access the information required.
Lesson One - Focus: Introduction to Indigenous Experience Web Quest
1. Return to the 'Introduction' page and write down the information about the Indigenous Experience.
2. Identify at least 5 words you do not understand from this information and research what they mean. You will need to write the words and definitions in your book under the heading 'Vocabulary'.
Lesson Two - Focus: Indigenous Language Groups
1. Go to the following link- http://australianmuseum.net.au/indigenous-australia-introduction
Read the information and answer the below questions in your book. Make sure you include the question in your answer.
- Prior to 1788, how many languages were spoken in Australia?
- Prior to 1788, what was the population of Australia?
- What is the percentage today of Aboriginal people who live in Australia? How many people is that?
- Why has the number of Aboriginal people changed so much?
- What type of life did Indigenous people live prior to European colonisation?
- What were the different roles of men and women?
- Why did Indigenous people only stay in an area for a certain time?
- How did Indigenous people divide their land?
2. Have a look at the language map that can be accessed from the below website.
After you have had a look, click on the 'Language Legends' tab at the top of the screen so you can listen to some of these languages being spoken.
Lesson 3 and 4 - Focus: Aboriginal Cultural Practices
In pairs, choose ONE of the below topics to research:
- Aboriginal spirituality
- Aboriginal paintings/art
- Aboriginal connection to land
- Aboriginal ceremonies
You will need to work together to find websites that provide good information about your chosen topic. You will then need to write this information in your own words a before organising it on a word document (1 page). Make sure you include the following:
- Heading
- Information about the topic. This will need to be written in your own words.
- Images relating to the topic
- Names of researchers (you and your partner)
Once activity is completed, email it to your teacher. She will print your work so that it can be displayed in the classroom.
Lesson 5 and 6: Focus - Aboriginal History
In pairs, choose ONE of the below topics to research:
- Colonisation of Australia
- Dispossession
- Stolen Generation
- Assimilation
- Segregation
- Mabo
- Land Rights
- Reconciliation
You will need to work together to find websites that provide good information about your chosen topic. You will then need to write this information in your own words before organising it on a word document (1 page). Make sure you include the following:
- Heading
- Information about the topic. This will need to be written in your own words.
- Images relating to the topic
- Names of researchers (you and your partner)
Once activity is completed, email it to your teacher. She will print your work so that it can be displayed in the classroom.
Congratulations!! You now have a better understanding of the Indigenous Experience.