Connecting with Culture: Indigenous Australian Experiences

This unit examines contemporary culture as a construct through initiating the education of students in Indigenous issues. With particular focus on the world’s oldest living, continuing culture, students learn concepts of imperialism and colonialism, the diversity of Indigenous Australian people and culture, and a basic understanding of issues that define our experiences as Australian citizens in a postcolonial society. Fundamental Indigenous concepts are introduced, including respect and relationships, connection to country spirituality, and kinship. Students will learn to challenge existing knowledge of Indigenous cultures and encouraged to form their own connections to help underpin their knowledge of contemporary culture.


Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
1. Analyse and discuss theories of imperialism, colonialism, and postcolonialism, and their relevance to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians today
2. Examine Indigenous knowledge and spirituality, as well as the contemporary implications of traditional aspects of Indigenous life.
3. Describe factors that explain historical and contemporary change in Indigenous cultures
4. Explain the ongoing significance of Indigenous culture to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians
5. Confidently practise and further encourage broader thinking in issues of inter-cultural relationships.