ENGLISH

ENRICHING YEAR 9 ENGLISH: A VISIT FROM DR TYSON YUNKAPORTA

To launch our Year 9 English study of the powerful documentary In My Blood It Runs, we were privileged to host acclaimed Indigenous scholar, author, and founder of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab, Dr Tyson Yunkaporta.

Tyson spoke to our students about culture, connection to Country, and complex societal systems. Most impactfully, he shared reflections from his own lived experience, offering powerful insights into overcoming discrimination and navigating systemic challenges. This provided invaluable, real-world context for our students before they view the film. 

Our English teachers also benefited from a dedicated professional development session with Tyson, gaining deeper insights into Indigenous teaching and perspectives. 

Below, you can read a short reflection from one of our students on how Tyson’s words impacted them. We are incredibly grateful for this enriching experience as a learning community.

Emily Condell

East English Leader

A REFLECTION ON OUR GUEST SPEAKER

This year, McKinnon was lucky enough to have Tyson Yunkaporta, an Indigenous lecturer from Deakin University, provide an inspiring speech to the Year 9s at our East Campus. It was a brilliant cultural exchange that touched on his experiences and beliefs as part of the Apalech clan.

One particular point he spoke about was the mistreatment of his people. This provided a point of reflection; a contrast to the comfortable lives led by most if not all of us. Amongst all this, though, he never wanted any of us to feel guilt; we didn’t put his people through that. Instead, he wished for us to appreciate the deep culture that First Nations peoples have. He even walked us through a set of motions that would connect us to Country if done right.

Overall, it was an eye-opening and powerfully delivered speech that I hope many Mckinnon students get to experience in the future.

Zimo Deng

Year 9 Student