Aboriginal Australian Elders – Special Places and Connection to Land
Step 1: An Introduction to Indigenous Elders
Aboriginal communities do not have a single leader, but rather a group of elders.
Aboriginal people appreciate their elders’ knowledge and wisdom and look to them to guide and advise decision making.
As a sign of respect, elders are usually addressed by using the word “uncle” or “aunty” before their name.
I wonder…who are the elders in your life?
Step 2: Deepen your understanding about Aboriginal Connection to Land.
Watch this video by Aboriginal Wurundjeri Elder, Colin Hunter Junior:
“Wurundjeri Welcome to Country”
Step 3: What is a Welcome to Country?
In the video, we learned that a Welcome to Country is a traditional ceremony, which has been performed for tens of thousands of years in the local area.
The Welcome to Country ceremony:
Getting organized:
- Open your green lined books
- Write today’s date.
- Write the title “Special Places”
Independent Activity: Making Connections
- Write down a place that is special to you.
- What does the place look like?
- Why is this place so special to you?
- Have you ever welcomed anyone to that special place?
- Do you know of any special places in our community? List any places you can think of.
- Who are the elders in your life? Write 4 sentences to tell us more about them?
Optional Extension:
Read this book by aboriginal elder, Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy, “Welcome to Country”
Welcome to Grade 2 