Introduction
This project-based unit integrates Year 6 English and History from the Australian Curriculum and uses a variety of texts to talk about rights. The rights being discussed in this unit are those of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with the struggle for land rights and the experiences of the Stolen Generations as focus areas.
This unit explores the changes to democratic and citizenship rights of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples since the 1900s. Students are led into issues through Australian speeches. They will explore how authors use language in creative ways to persuade and describe, and how people use written and spoken language to suit social purposes to address particular audiences.
This resource has also been developed to assist classroom teachers deliver educational programs that engage students with issues relating to the 1967 Referendum. The 1967 Referendum is perhaps one of the most important events marking the reconciliation of the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples now living in Australia. The 1967 Referendum asked the Australian public to comment on two separate issues. The ‘nexus question’ unsuccessfully aimed to change the balance of numbers in the Senate and the House of Representatives. This resource focuses predominantly on the aspects of the referendum that relate to Aboriginal people and social justice.
Focus questions:
- Why are referendums important?
- How has the 1967 Referendum shapes Australia as a Nation?
- Why do you think the 1967 referendum was so successful?