HUMANITIES

Year 7 History

This semester our Year 7 History students are studying Indigenous History and Culture.  Uncle Bill Nicholson, an elder of the Wurundjeri people, honoured them with a visit.

Uncle Bill explained the importance of language, culture and land to indigenous peoples.

Another aspect of his visit was to provide local examples of foundation stories linked to the physical and geographical features in the local area, something that the New Victorian Curriculum mandates for all Year 7 students.

His ‘dream time’ story of the wombat and the kangaroo illustrated an important aspect of educating young people within Wurundjeri culture and was entertaining too.

Uncle Bill detailed examples from indigenous culture including the Wurundjeri seasonal calendar, playing Marngrook and the passing of knowledge from one generation to another.

Two pivotal points from the presentation, were the importance of conserving remaining elements of the ancient past, also how today’s Wurundjeri people are building upon their ancestor’s legacy, while creating a strong and vibrant culture within a modern Australian society.

Uncle Bill Nicholson speaking with Year 7 teacher Mark Matcott.

Steven Hodder

Head of Humanities