History and Indigenous Studie

Introduction.

Everybody has had his or her own experiences with history, some positive and some negative. Soulpancake (2013), however, has an interesting video on why all people should study history. In the video, Kid President states: ‘History – we got to study it so we don’t repeat it.’ This statement is very powerful because it illustrates some of the mistakes of humanities past. In the Australian context, Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander (ATSI) history makes up a significant portion of history, not all positive.

What are your children learning?

Over the coming weeks, your children will be learning about ATSI histories and cultures, specifically relating to the stolen generation and some traditional aboriginal activities. Relating to the Victorian Curriculum are the content descriptors (VCHHK086), (VCHHK089) and (VCHHK090). These content descriptions relate to issues such as: significant events that shaped Australian colonies, elements of daily life for white settlers and ATSI people and the status and rights of ATSI peoples (Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority [VCAA] 2016).  

Why are your children learning this?

The Melbourne Declaration on Educational Goals for Young Australians (MDEGYA) (Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs [MCEETYA] 2008) is the fundamental document that underpins the current curriculum, which we teach. Throughout this document are several key points as to why your children need to learn about these issues. Education builds our society in a democratic and equitable way that values Australia’s Indigenous cultures as a key part of the nation’s past (p. 4). The curriculum aims to create active and informed citizens who ‘understand and acknowledge the value of Indigenous cultures and possess the knowledge, skills and understanding to contribute to, and benefit from, reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians’ (p. 9). The MDEGYA also declares that all students should have the opportunity to engage in Indigenous content when appropriate (p. 14). These points are critical History is a great way to study Indigenous content.    

How are they learning this?

History is about, to some extent, learning about the past. Obviously, we do not have access to time machines so a great way to see and experience what happened in the past is through the use of information and communication technologies (ICT). Reynolds (2012, p. 5) supports this point and adds that history will require substantial support, through ICT and other things like guest speakers and excursions. Specific ICT activities like digital portfolios, virtual field trips, watching interviews with Indigenous people and blogging to share learning with other classes all of which are supported by Radoll (2015) will be undertaken during this unit.

How can you support your child’s learning?

If your children come home with any questions, answer them as best you can. Some of the content that we cover during this unit can be quite confronting for many students so they may seem a little rattled when they come home. Answer any questions or queries they ask you and feel free to email your child’s teacher about the topic.