Koorie Culture Map: Gunaikurnai #1

Explore how dance helps people connect, heal and celebrate culture. Discover the important role movement plays in storytelling and community, then try a series of simple movements and reflect on how they affect your body, mood and energy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.