SUBJECTS: Civics and Citizenship, Health and Physical Education, History
YEARS: 9–10
Cultural identity gives us a sense of connection and belonging and an understanding of who we are and where we come from.
There is a direct connection between people's sense of cultural identity and their health and wellbeing.
This clip explores some of our nation's history, including how Australia Day is seen by both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
The clip also examines cultural expression, connection to Country and the importance of healing to Indigenous people.
Finally, it demonstrates how standing up to racism can affect individuals and society.
Things to think about
- 1.What does identity and culture mean to you? Is there a culture you feel connected to? How important is your connection to this culture? How do you know someone is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person? What do you know about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's connection to Country? Teachers: Read and discuss how to challenge racial stereotyping by teaching students about kinship. Why is someone's identity and connection to culture so important to them? Fair-skinned Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are constantly told, "But you don't look Aboriginal". Why do these words disempower Aboriginal people?
- 2.The booing was intense and overwhelming. How would you feel if it was targeted towards you? Why do you think many media personalities and members of the public didn't understand what Adam Goodes's war cry represented?
- 3.What do you think Stan Grant meant by Aboriginal people being "politically aware"? Adam Goodes healed his heart by connecting with Country. Why is connecting with Country so important to Aboriginal people? Has this clip deepened your understanding of connection to Country? Adam says, "[Australia Day] is the day that we celebrate the birth of Australia as you know it now, but to the Indigenous community, that's the saddest day for our culture." As a group, discuss what is meant by "dispossession". Explain how Aboriginal people were dispossessed of their land, identities and culture when the British colonised Australia. Why is 26 January "the saddest day" for Aboriginal cultures? Why do some people – both Indigenous and non-Indigenous – consider 26 January to be "Invasion Day"? Do you think Australians should celebrate Australia Day? Read this article and debate whether or not the date of Australia Day should be changed. Adam was conflicted about receiving the Australian of the Year Award, but he went with pride and used his speech as a platform for social change. Discuss your thoughts with the class. Teachers: As a class, you may like to research further how past policies have affected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- 4.It's our connection to kinship, culture and community that makes us who we are, and this is no different for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. With your class, discuss why we need to stop thinking our appearances make us who we are. Teachers: Read why Aboriginal customs like the war cry need to be embraced as part of Australian culture and explore this with your students. How have we progressed in the years since Adam's war cry? Do you think Adam played a role in this change? We encourage you to read about, understand and get behind The Australian Dream campaign and encourage your students to express their thoughts, feelings, emotions and visions for their Australia.
Teachers
To help you hold these discussions, refer to the key considerations to delivering The Australian Dream education resources.
We encourage you to give students a platform to share their own Australian dream and get behind The Australian Dream campaign by encouraging your students to express their thoughts, feelings, emotions and visions for their Australia.
Acknowledgements
These discussion notes have been written in consultation with Culture Is Life.
Date of broadcast: 29 Dec 2020
Copyright
Metadata © Australian Broadcasting Corporation 2020 (except where otherwise indicated). Digital content © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). Video © Australian Broadcasting Corporation (except where otherwise indicated). All images copyright their respective owners. Text © Australian Broadcasting Corporation.