Teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Geography

Teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Geography is important because students can learn about the history and culture of Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have a very close bond with their heritage it is passed down from generation to generation and it is important for students to learn and respect that heritage .In Geography its important that students can connect to the history and culture of the land and not just be learning about maps. In the Bible God talks about loving people:

 “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right” (Bible Gateway, James 2:8, 2011).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are strong, rich and diverse. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity is central to this priority and is intrinsically linked to living, learning Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, deep knowledge traditions and holistic world view (ACARA, 2013).

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander priority provides opportunities for all learners to deepen their knowledge of Australia by engaging with the world’s oldest continuous living cultures. This knowledge and understanding will enrich their ability to participate positively in the ongoing development of Australia (ACARA, 2013).

                  (Reconciliation South Australia, 2011).

                            (Tropical Medical Training, 2010).

Learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders provides students with different perspectives and outlooks. Bringing an appreciation and respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and the background and culture they bring to the land. As is shown in the below video link studies learn values and respect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2PwPlYA4w0

Students should be encouraged and supported in researching and discovering and building their own views. We as teachers should support and guide students in their further research of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders. Credible further research includes the sites below:

http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2012C00258

http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r4943

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in Geography is not just about learning history but about learning values and morals. Respecting everyone and their different origins and cultures: Recognizing the fact that everyone has something different to bring to the group and that everyone can contribute.

References

ACARA. (2013). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders histories and cultures. Retrieved 12^th April 2013 from http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/CrossCurriculumPriorities/Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-histories-and-cultures.

Australian Government. (2012). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Act  2005. Retrieved 12^th April 2013 from http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2012C00258.

Bible Gateway. (2011). New International Version. Retrieved 12^th April 2013.

Parliament of Australia. (2012). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recognition Bill 2012. Retrieved 12^th April 2013 from http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r4943.

Reconciliation South Australia Inc. (2011). Aboriginal Australia  map. Retrieved 12^th April 2013 from http://www.reconciliationsa.org.au/learn%20map.html.

Tropical Medical Training. (2010). Torres Strait  region. Retrieved 12^th April 2013 from http://www.medicaltraining.com.au/page/Regions/Torres_http://www.medicaltraining.com.au/page/Regions/Torres_Strait_Region/Strait_Region/.

VEA Australia – New Zealand. (2012). Integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in schools. Retrieved 12^th April 2013 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2PwPlYA4w0.