Koorie Culture Map: Wurundjeri #2

Explore the seasonal movement of the short-finned eel and discover how Wurundjeri people used detailed knowledge of animals, waterways and weather patterns to live on Country. Investigate First Nations seasonal calendars and reflect on the seasonal changes you notice where you live.

Students will engage with the Birrarung Multi-touch Book and specifically the Wurundjeri Interactive Map to explore significant places on Wurundjeri Country from pre-contact to today, researching native plants, traditional engineering, and cultural heritage. They will reflect on these insights and create poems, paintings, or stories showcasing their understanding of First Nations perspectives and connections to the land. This unit can be self-directed or taught as a class.

Students engage with the multi-touch book Birrarung and explore First Nations portraits to learn about Wurundjeri Ancestors and their role in shaping identity. They create a personal ancestry map or visual representation, reflecting on how their own Ancestors, wherever they are from, influence who they are today.

In this unit, students explore First Nations Creation stories, immersing themselves in the narratives that describe the origins of the land. They understand the profound influence of storytellers and the interconnectedness of storytelling, language, culture, and Country. Through the Birrarung multi-touch book, story mapping activities, and investigating the Yarra River Protection Act 2017, students develop an understanding of the significance of the Birrarung story in preserving cultural heritage and fostering a connection to Country. 

Students explore First Nations languages, land, and culture through the Wurundjeri Multi-Touch Book Birrarung. They research language loss, create presentations on preservation efforts, and reflect on the connection between language, culture, and heritage.