Year 11 Literature

Deep Listening to Voices of Country 

A couple of weeks ago, our class had the pleasure of speaking with Shane Nelson, a Wiradjuri, Walgalu and Gumbaynggirr man, over Zoom. Shane taught us about many aspects of First Nations lore, beliefs and traditions. This included the concept of "Everywhen", which is a First Nations term that describes the way that everything in time and space is part of one constant flow, a contrast to the linear beliefs of time in Western science. It was informing and enlightening to learn about parts of First Nations culture from a First Nations man firsthand.

Grace Carter

Last week, both Year 11 literature classes were involved in a very meaningful excursion. It began with either the Koorie Heritage Trust Walking Tour or viewing works of Aboriginal art at the NGV. In the ‘Wurrdha Marra’ exhibition, which is Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung language for ‘Many Mobs’, we participated in meaningful discussion with our classmates on our interpretations of the artwork. We began by choosing an artwork in the exhibit to discuss as a class, learning about the context behind the creation of this artwork, which was made by 12 Aboriginal women and depicted a salt lake. Afterwards we had the opportunity to walk around the exhibit and choose an artwork to share with the class. This allowed us to reflect on some of the concepts we had discussed in class, drawing on Aboriginal viewpoints and perspectives and the ideas that were demonstrated by the artwork. 

During the Koorie Heritage Trust Walking Tour, we all heard from a Koorie guide on Wurundjeri Country. During this tour, we learnt about the history of colonisation in this area, and the story of the Yarra river, with the true name being the “Birrarung”. We learnt about some Dreamtime stories, as well as the ways in which the Aboriginal peoples communicated hundreds of years ago, before colonisation. This allowed us to compare and reflect on some of the concepts we had learnt in class, including the concept of “Everywhen” and “Kinship”. Then we went back into the Koorie Heritage Trust and were able to look at some cultural items like the possum-skin cloak and the digging stick. 

Lastly, we viewed the film, “The New Boy”, directed by Warwick Thornton. We viewed this screening at ACMI and were given some context surrounding Warwick Thornton and the creation of this film, which somewhat reflected his own life experiences. Overall, this was an excursion that not only allowed us to get some First Nations perspectives on the concepts we have been learning in class, but also allowed us to expand on our knowledge on First Nations experiences and the impacts of colonisation.

Madeline Newall