Gunyurro: Dance as Resistance, Reclamation, and Healing

Learning Areas

History | Dance

In this unit

Students will explore the significance of "Gunyurro" (Dance) within the Gunaikurnai community. They will learn about the history of imposed colonial laws that restricted First Nations cultural practices, the role of art and dance as forms of resistance and healing, and the importance of cultural reclamation.

This unit includes:

Video

Unit

Cultural Protocols

Learning Areas

Dance

AC9ADA6E01
Explore ways that the elements of dance are combined to communicate ideas, perspectives and/or meaning in dance across cultures, times, places and/or other contexts
AC9ADA6E02
Explore the ways that First Nations Australians use dance to continue and revitalise cultures
AC9ADA6D01
Develop and practise technical and expressive skills using safe dance practice and the elements of dance
AC9ADA6C01
Manipulate the elements of dance and/or choreographic devices to choreograph dances that communicate ideas, perspectives and/or meaning
AC9ADA6P01
Practise and perform dances using technical and expressive skills in informal and/or formal settings

History

Cross Curriculum Priorities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

Country/Place

A_TSICP1
The occupation and colonisation of Australia by the British, under the now overturned doctrine of terra nullius, were experienced by First Nations Australians as an invasion that denied their occupation of, and connection to, Country/Place.
A_TSICP1
First Nations communities of Australia maintain a deep connection to, and responsibility for, Country/Place and have holistic values and belief systems that are connected to the land, sea, sky and waterways.
A_TSICP3
The First Peoples of Australia are the Traditional Owners of Country/Place, protected in Australian Law by the Native Title Act 1993 which recognises pre-existing sovereignty, continuing systems of law and customs, and connection to Country/Place. This recognised legal right provides for economic sustainability and a voice into the development and management of Country/Place.

Culture

A_TSIC1
First Nations Australian societies are diverse and have distinct cultural expressions such as language, customs and beliefs. As First Nations Peoples of Australia, they have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural expressions, while also maintaining the right to control, protect and develop culture as First Nations Cultural and Intellectual Property.
A_TSIC2
First Nations Australians’ ways of life reflect unique ways of being, knowing, thinking and doing.
A_TSIC3
The First Peoples of Australia (Aboriginal Peoples) belong to the world’s oldest continuous cultures. First Nations Australians demonstrate resilience in the maintenance, practice and revitalisation of culture despite the many historic and enduring impacts of colonisation, and continue to celebrate and share the past, present and future manifestations of their cultures.

People

A_TSIP1
Australia has 2 distinct First Nations Peoples; each encompasses a diversity of nations across Australia. Aboriginal Peoples are the first peoples of Australia and have occupied the Australian continent for more than 60,000 years. Torres Strait Islander Peoples are the First Nations Peoples of the Torres Strait and have occupied the region for over 4,000 years.
A_TSIP2
First Nations Australians have sophisticated political, economic and social organisation systems, which include family and kinship structures, laws, traditions, customs, land tenure systems, and protocols for strong governance and authority.
A_TSIP3
The significant and ongoing contributions of First Nations Australians and their histories and cultures are acknowledged locally, nationally and globally.

Stories of Resilience

Year levels: 9 2 lessons

Students will explore the impact of government policies through the story of Granny Louisa Pepper-Connolly, as told by her great-great-granddaughter Aunty Glenys Watts. They will examine how such policies affected First Nations families, cultures, and communities, and reflect on their strength and perseverance.

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Guardians of Country: Citizen Science in Action

Year levels: 5-6 3 lessons

Students explore Gunaikurnai stories Legend Rock and Borun and Tuk, investigate local wildlife, learn about First Nations conservation, and take action through citizen science and project-based activities.

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Seasonal Calendars

Year levels: 5-6 3 lessons

Students explore the Gunaikurnai story Mother Sky to learn about First Nations astronomy, seasonal knowledge, and storytelling. Through film, yarning, art, and coding, they investigate how stars, seasons, and culture are deeply connected, and create their own seasonal calendars inspired by natural cycles.

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Written in the Stars

Year levels: 3 2 lessons

Students explore the Gunaikurnai Creation story Mother Sky told by Alfie Hudson, learn about First Nations astronomy, identify constellations, and express their understanding through art, worksheets, and a Scratch coding activity.

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Borun and Tuk

Year levels: 3-4 4 lessons

Students explore the Gunaikurnai Creation story Borun and Tuk told by Hollie Johnson. They investigate local wildlife, and learn about First Nations perspectives on conservation through research, classification, and art.

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Unit Content

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Gunyurro: Dance as Resistance, Reclamation, and Healing 2 Lessons

Focus Area Content

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Gunyurro – Lesson 1

Gunyurro – Lesson 2

Gunyurro: Dance as Resistance, Reclamation, and Healing

Learning Areas

In this unit

This unit includes:

Video

Video

Video

Unit

Cultural Protocols

Learning Areas

Dance

History

Cross Curriculum Priorities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

Country/Place

Culture

People

Unit Content

Gunaikurnai Community

Years 5-6

History

Dance

2 lessons x 90 minutes

Unit Includes

Explore

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Gunyurro: Dance as Resistance, Reclamation, and Healing

Learning Areas

In this unit

This unit includes:

Video

Video

Video

Unit

Cultural Protocols

Learning Areas

Dance

History

Cross Curriculum Priorities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

Country/Place

Culture

People

Related Units

Unit Content

Gunaikurnai Community

Years 5-6

History

Dance

2 lessons x 90 minutes

Unit Includes

Explore

Login or Subscribe

Contact us