Essential Question

In what ways is water important to First Nations Peoples in Australia?

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

Unit details

Y7 Geography
Lesson Time: 40 minutes
Lessons: 20
Duration: 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 will:

  • explore the multilayered meanings (material, cultural and spiritual wellbeing) associated with rivers, waterways, waterholes, human-made wells, seas, lakes, soaks and springs for First Nations Peoples
  • examine the impact of colonisation on First Nations Peoples’ access to water
  • research First Nations Peoples’ past and current struggles for water rights
  • be provided with basic details about the history of water resource management in Australia
  • investigate the impacts of water scarcity and quality and how it relates to liveability
  • research and respond to three case studies that illustrate the importance of water to specific groups of First Nations Peoples in Australia
  • research the cultures of the Traditional Custodians of the land on which their school sits to understand and investigate the significance of any local water bodies to them
  • undertake their own geographical inquiry into one of the issues or challenges presented in this unit.

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