Essential Question

Why’s the history of the settlement of Australia contested by First Nations people?

Warning — First Nations teachers and students are advised that this curriculum resource may contain images, voices or names of deceased people.

Unit details

Y9 History
Lesson Time: 40 minutes
Lessons: 16
Duration: 4-5 weeks

Australian Curriculum
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures cross-curriculum priority.

Unit overview

In this unit students explore how the shared history of First Nations people and non-Indigenous Australians can be known, told and contested. Through a historical inquiry, students are introduced to the concept of perspective, and investigate how this concept applies to both the settlement versus invasion debate and January 26/Australia Day debate.

Please keep in mind, you don’t need to be an expert on this topic – we often learn alongside our students.

While this resource has been created so it can be taught in a linear fashion, feel free to start small. You may prefer to select a single activity that connects to what you’re teaching or about to teach. Even small actions can make a big difference.
Australians Together resources are created in collaboration with First Nations cultural advisers.