Primary school students participating in the 'Our Shared History' program in the First Peoples exhibition, Bunjilaka, Melbourne Museum.
Exhibition

Our Shared History

Years 5 to 6

Students experience the diversity and longevity of Australia’s First Peoples and the impact of colonisation on their daily life and culture.

See how First Peoples responded to the arrival of Europeans and how the fight for rights, Country and culture continues.

Students will experience

  • Exploration of the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre using a self-guided booklet designed to encourage deep listening and collaboration.
  • A journey through 2000 generations of farming, trade, Ceremony, and creativity
  • First Peoples voices
  • The impacts of colonisation and early encounters on First Peoples in south-eastern Australia

Students will learn

  • About the diversity of First Peoples 
  • The variable impacts of colonisation on different groups of First Peoples 
  • Our shared history and the frontier wars 
  • How individuals or groups have fought for the rights of First Peoples in south eastern Australia 
  • How First Peoples experience and express their culture today 

Students will be provided

  • Students will be provided with a self-guided trail booklet to guide them through the exhibition. Use this booklet back in the classroom to extend learning and reflect on the day.  
  • Teachers should follow the trail on the map included in the booklet

Students will need

Other key information

  • Teachers may want to watch the videos from the Bunjilaka website, in particular First Peoples Creation Cinema and Representing diversity. 
  • Students will NOT require any pens or pencils. No writing implements are permitted in Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Availability

Terms 1–4, Monday to Friday

Duration: 30 minutes

Student information

Years 5 to 6

Maximum 30 students

Exhibition

Self-guided exhibition visit with provided activity

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.

Our Shared History

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