Our Shared History
Learn about the diversity of First Peoples and begin discussions about the ongoing impacts of colonisation.
See how First Peoples responded to the arrival of Europeans and how the fight for rights, Country and culture continues.
Students will experience
- The Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre using a self-guided booklet designed to encourage deep listening and collaboration.
- Cultural belongings and their accompanying stories.
- Different historical perspectives of events in Australian history.
- Extensive primary sources through both physical and multimedia modes
- First Peoples’ voices.
Students will learn
- The importance of place and Culture to First Peoples.
- The ongoing impacts of colonisation on the lives and Cultural practices of First Peoples.
- About the people and groups who have fought for First Peoples rights in south-eastern Australia.
- The diversity of First Peoples across Australia and south-eastern Victoria.
Students will be provided
- With a booklet to guide their journey through the exhibition. Use this booklet back in the classroom to extend learning and reflect on the visit.
- Teachers should follow the journey on the map included in the booklet.
- Students will NOT require any pens or pencils. No writing implements are permitted in Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
Students will need
- Before visiting Bunjilaka, students should watch the Bunjilaka Introduction video.
Other key information
- To extend learning, teachers may want to watch the videos from the Bunjilaka website, in particular First Peoples Creation Cinema and Representing Diversity.
Additional learning activities
- Using the Bunjilaka introduction video, discuss the meaning of Wominjeka and the significance of Bunjil and Waa to the people of the Kulin nations.
- As a class, discuss your purpose for visiting Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural centre and make a ‘know, want to know, learnt’ chart. Reflect on this after your visit.
- Research and discuss the following key terms: Frontier Wars, colonisers vs colonists, Stolen Generations, and land rights.
Availability
Terms 1–4, Monday to Friday
Duration: 30 minutes
Student information
Years 5 to 6
Maximum 30 students
Bookings
$8 per student + education service fee
Call 13 11 02 or submit an online booking request
Exhibition
Self-guided exhibition visit with provided activity
Victorian Curriculum Links
History: Levels 5 and 6
Australia (1800–1900)
- the impacts of the development of colonies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, local-born colonists and migrants, and on the environment (VC2HH6K02)
- different interpretations of a significant historical development in a colony during the 19th century (VC2HH6K06)
Australia (1900–2000)
- significant contributions of individuals and groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and migrants, to changing Australian society (VC2HH6K10)
- different interpretations of a significant historical development in Australian society during the 20th century (VC2HH6K12)
Using historical sources
- describe historical perspectives and identify beliefs, values and attitudes of people and groups based on evidence from primary sources (VC2HH6S05)
- explain different historical interpretations (VC2HH6S06)
Causes and consequences
- explain the causes and consequences of significant events and developments (VC2HH6S08)
Historical significance
- explain the significance of events, individuals and groups that contributed to continuity and change (VC2HH6S09)
Communicating
- construct historical interpretations, using historical terms and evidence from historical sources (VC2HH6S10)
Intercultural Capability: Levels 5 and 6
Culture, identity and belonging
- how identity can be influenced by one or more cultures (VC2CI6C01)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Country and Place
- the occupation and colonisation of the land now known as Australia by the British, under the now overturned doctrine of terra nullius, were experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as an invasion that denied their occupancy of, and connection to, Country and Place. (VC2CCPACP2)
Culture
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ ways of life reflect unique ways of being, knowing, thinking and doing. (VC2CCPAC2)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people belong to the world’s oldest continuous cultures. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples demonstrate resilience in the maintenance, practice and revitalisation of culture despite the many historic and enduring impacts of colonisation, and they continue to celebrate and share the past, present and future manifestations of their cultures. (VC2CCPAC3)
People
- the significant and ongoing contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and their histories and cultures are acknowledged locally, nationally and globally. (VC2CCPAP3)
Accessibility
Please view our accessibility page for general information. Contact our team on 13 11 02 or email us at [email protected] to discuss how we can support your visit.
Museums Victoria Learning Access Fund
The Museums Victoria Learning Access Fund aims to enhance access to our museums (Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and Immigration Museum), programs and events by offering free or subsidised education programs for eligible schools. Find out more about the fund.
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