There is no single ‘Aboriginal culture’. This unit aims to give students an appreciation of significant differences between Aboriginal groups, the ‘simple yet complex’ rules that govern their day-to-day lives and the important role of art and song in recording their knowledge.

This topic will assist students to understand that Aboriginal people rely on the land of Australia, not just for their food supplies but, also for their spirituality, art and social laws.

Learning Area Focus

• History
• Geography
• English
• Science
• The Arts

Students will learn that:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are living
• The Dreaming gives a strong spiritual emphasis to Aboriginal cultural
• Aboriginal social structures provide specific roles for people.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a close spiritual relationship with their environment.
• Prior to European settlement, Aboriginal lifestyles and Torres Strait Islander lifestyles were diverse and ecologically sustainable.