1st Lesson

Task 1 - Week 1
In task 1 we shall begin to explore the some of the viewpoints of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities around some of the issues surrounding land rights, social justice and equality. Some of you may have some strong opinions on these issues, others might not have yet formed any opinion or may not know much about these topics. We all come together with different opinions and knowledge about the subject matter. Let's be open to explore and discuss this together as a group, find out what we already know and believe about some of these issues and most importantly, be receptive to learn and be open to the possibility of seeing things from a new perspective. Let's begin!

Process - Follow each step in order.
Step 1. Begin by opening the web pages linked below. Have a read of the information on the lyrics page and then listen to the song by Yothu Yindi called 'Treaty'. Whilst you listen, also read along to the song lyrics. You will need to re-size each web page to fit on your screen so you can see each web page simultaneously.
You can learn a bit about the song and read the lyrics HERE
You can watch & listen to Treaty on Youtube below:



Step 2. Now you have watched and listened to the video clip. You have also read through the lyrics.  Keep the page with the lyrics open. look through the lyrics together in your small group. Discuss the following questions in your group and also any other questions or related points of discussion.
Some questions for your group to discuss:
- Have you heard this song before, if so, when?
- What do you think the song is actually about?
- What do you think of the song and its message? Have you formed an opinion?
- Do you have any prior knowledge of the issues and themes raised in the song?
- What do you think the person who wrote the song is aiming to communicate?
- What do you think the author was feeling when they wrote the words for this song?
- What feelings and thoughts does this song and it's message bring about for you?

Step 3. Now, go to and watch the following video below. You can stop watching after the video has played for about 5 minutes and 15 seconds.

Step 4. After having seen the previous video, discuss the following:
-  Does the song Treaty have any more meaning to you now that you have viewed this second video?
- What is your opinion of the message behind the song now, has your opinion changed?
- Look at the lyrics of the song Treaty again. What sentences jump out at you? Can you find anything in the words of the song that help you identify what the song writer is trying to communicate?
- What did you learn from watching these two videos? Have you learnt anything new or has your perspective changed at all regarding any of the topics we have discussed today?

Step 5.  Your group will now make a verbal presentation to the class. Each person should have a chance to briefly tell the rest of the class what the group discussed and what you have learnt individually, how it has influenced your opinions and thoughts about the topic.


Step 6. For homework you have two individual tasks.  First, individually make a short post on your blog. It should describe in more detail, what you have taken away from this lesson. How has watching the videos and having the discussions we had in class today influenced your thoughts and opinions. Feel free to discuss your feelings about the topic in a way that suits you. Discuss any prior understandings you had before today and anything new that you learnt. Use this blog to explore and discuss anything meaningful to you and any learning taking place for you. You can see a guide to a basic blog post for Lesson 1 HERE. Use this example simply as a guide to how you might write your post, don't limit yourself to writing only about the questions posed on the guide but use these to stimulate what you night want to say.

Step 7. Your second piece of homework is to find out what the words 'Terra Nullius' mean and how it relates to the colonisation of Australia in the minds of the British. Be ready to share your understandings next week in class.