First Nations News

A Journey into Ancient Australia: Exploring Indigenous Cultures

As part of Aitken College's commitment to reconciliation, the Humanities faculty has introduced an engaging unit on Ancient Australia in Year 7 Humanities. In the past, students have expressed a desire for a more balanced and nuanced understanding of Indigenous Australians, moving beyond the often negative and somber narratives they often encounter in the media and History classes. They have expressed a keen interest in exploring the rich and unique aspects of a culture that has thrived in Australia for countless generations. 

In this vein, Year 7 students embarked on a captivating journey to discover the physical and geographical features that have shaped the development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. They explored the foundational stories, land management practices, and the significance of these customs. It was heartening to witness their enthusiasm as they delved into the beliefs, values, and practices of Indigenous peoples, including their intriguing death and funerary customs. Of particular interest to the students was the enigma surrounding Mungo Man, as they grasped how archaeological evidence serves to substantiate the enduring presence of Indigenous Australians throughout history. 

Central to the students' exploration was the fascinating tale of Bunjil the Eagle. Bunjil, a revered tail-wedged eagle, occupies a significant place in the Indigenous Australian culture, symbolising wisdom, protection, and the interconnectedness of the natural world. Our students learnt about Bunjil's teachings, which emphasise respect for the environment and harmony with all living beings. Not only this, students also skillfully integrated their knowledge of Ancient Australia to interpret the intricate images adorning the rock surfaces, honing their ability to extract meaning from these cultural artifacts.

Our unit on Ancient Australia holds immense importance in fostering reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. We are proud to have provided our students a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the vibrant tapestry of Indigenous Australia, where they also addressed key historical concepts of continuity and change, cause and effect, significance, empathy, perspectives, and contestability. By cultivating an appreciation of Indigenous cultures and the enduring presence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples throughout Australia's history, our students are equipped to contribute to the ongoing process of reconciliation and mutual respect.

Ms Merjam Mujkanovic 

Head of Humanities

Students really benefited from their new knowledge and understanding of First Nations culture. Some 7M students commented, “it was nice to learn about our own country’s culture” and “Bunjil the eagle was a really interesting story and something I hadn’t learnt about before.” 

First Nations Committee