KXP

Year 10 – Always was, and always will be – why Australian Indigenous stories matter

Guiding question

Why are Indigenous stories so important? And how do we retell them with respect?

Purpose of the expedition

The expedition focused on the stories of Indigenous men and women of influence, and explored how the stories of others can be retold with respect.

Learning targets

Identify, discuss and analyse the key themes which exist, and often recur in the stories of Indigenous Australians.
Identify and communicate effectively the key elements of an individual Indigenous person’s story, and talk about why this person’s story resonates with them.
Produce a beautiful and effective piece of work that retells and honours the story of an Indigenous Australian of influence.

Case studies

Individual Experience

Individual Experience
Community Consultation

We studied the ideas that underpin the notion of individual experience; and, the stories of influential Indigenous Australians, including Rev’d Glenn Loughrey, Rosalie Kunoth Monks, Baker Boy and Robert Muir. We also considered the theme of the 2020 NAIDOC week, Always Was, Always Will Be, and how this relates to our individual stories.

As a result of this research and following a prescribed structure, we created a short pre-recorded reflection of how the story of an Indigenous Australian had resonated with us and why.

Local community member and Indigenous man, Rev’d Glenn Loughrey spent a number of sessions with students, introducing key themes which underpin the Indigenous experience in Australia, and engaging in open and honest discussions about both our areas of interest and concern. His own story and perspective; and insights into stories of Indigenous Australians. He was joined for some of these session by our School Chaplain, Rev’d Kirsten Winkett.

Creative Outcomes

Following a prescribed structure, we created a short pre-recorded reflection and analysis of how the story of an Indigenous Australian had resonated with us and why.

We also drew on our prior knowledge, developed during the previous Expedition, regarding ways in which we can effectively influence our reader.

Mastery focus

The Expedition allowed us to consider our exposure to; knowledge of; and, experience in, exploring Indigenous issues, and consider the lives of both contemporary and historical Indigenous men and women whose stories have influenced and shaped our nation.

Beautiful work

The Expedition culminated when we produced and shared a piece of work honouring the life and story of an Indigenous Australian of influence.

A key component of the Project was an oral presentation in which we analysed and reflected upon our own authorial decisions.

Real-world links

The intention was to exhibit our work at St Oswald’s Anglican Church in Glen Iris. Unfortunately, this was unable to happen due to COVID-19 restrictions.