Qwiller Teaching Unit: Voices of First Nations Peoples (NSW English Syllabus for the Australian English Curriculum V.9)

This unit looks at fiction and non-fiction texts exploring First Nation peoples’ histories and culture that incorporate Indigenous knowledge, understanding and ways of being, doing, knowing and thinking. Students will explore how life looks from various Indigenous perspectives by considering non-fiction texts from Reconciliation Australia’s ‘Share our Pride’ resources. These include infographics and videos addressing topics including myths about Indigenous people, pre-1788 history, the Dreaming and connection to country, defining culture and the impact of intergenerational trauma. As a process of frontloading in preparation to read texts by First Nations’ people, this unit will also look at Indigenous languages, maps and geographic locations, and consider their historical and cultural contexts. Students will critically evaluate ideas, beliefs and values in various texts written by First Nations’ people including performance poets, Steven Oliver, Melanie Munungurr-Williams and Alice Eather, actor, writer and comedian, Nakkah Lui, artist and former pro-surfer, Otis Hope Carey, artist, Thea Anamara Perkins, designer and artist, Rachael Sarra, singer-songwriter, Thelma Plum, activist and artist, Aretha Brown. This unit will also explore the following writing: Tell me why, by Archie Roach AM (2021), Ubby’s Underdogs: The Legend of the Phoenix Dragon by Brenton E. McKenna (2011), Us Mob Walawurru by David Spillman and Lisa Wilyuka (2006), Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe (2014) and Becoming Kirrali Lewis by Jane Harrison (2015). Students will create a piece of art or literature that reflects their perspectives on Indigenous knowledge, understanding and ways of being and thinking.