Gunyurro: Dance as Resistance, Reclamation, and Healing

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.

Cross Curriculum Priorities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Curriculum Links

  • 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
  • AC9HS5K01
    The economic, political and social causes of the establishment of British colonies in Australia after 1800
  • AC9HS5K02
    The impact of the development of British colonies in Australia on the lives of First Nations Australians, the colonists and convicts, and on the natural environment
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Unit Includes

  • 1 Focus Area
  • 2 Lessons

Warning

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are warned that the content on this site may contain images and references to deceased persons.

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