Koorie Heritage Trust

On Tuesday the 11th of March, the Year 12 Sociology cohort travelled to Federation Square to visit the Koorie Heritage Trust; a local organisation led by First Nations Australians dedicated to preserving Indigenous cultural artefacts, practices and stories. 

On this excursion, the students were given a guided tour by Indigenous members of the Kulin Nations of the Birrarung Marr, a sacred location to the Kulin Nations that lies alongside the Yarra River next to Federation Square, where they were taught about the cultural significance of the region as a meeting ground for the Kulin Nations, as well as the environmental and cultural impact of colonisation on both the Kulin Nations and the health of the Yarra River. Additionally, on this tour, they were shown the sculptures that now exist on the Birrarung Marr, which commemorate the lasting legacy and significance of the Kulin Nations Cultures that continues to exist in the region. 

Inside the Koorie Heritage Trust, students studied authentic cultural artefacts of the Kulin Nations that are preserved by the curators of the museum, including Indigenous tools, weapons, hunting tools including eel traps and cultural items including possum skin cloaks and weaved baskets. Additionally, students visited an exhibit that focused on how traditional Indigenous clothing practices, such as the use of weaved fibres and possum skins are being incorporated into modern fashion items as a means of promoting cultural awareness and preservation of these traditional customs. 

On behalf of the Sociology team, we would like to congratulate the Year 12s on their respect and engagement with Indigenous culture throughout the day, and their willingness to interact with these precious artefacts entrusted to them by the local Indigenous community. The students also like to thank the Koorie Heritage Trust for hosting them, and one of our staff members, Naomi, for accompanying the excursion to support their learning.

- Ash Sevior, 

Year 12 Sociology