Research Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities

[amberkennedy]

Hi
I have been procrastinating about this assignment for a while as I just dont know where to start. This is what I have so far, am i on the right track???

• Write a short report (approximately 500 words) summarising your findings, and explaining how this information can be taken into account when implementing the curriculum, including activities, experiences, customs and events within the service and promoting inclusive behaviours.
Greenwood Daycare, Frenchs Forest, Sydney, NSW
The Guringai language group, of the Garigal Aboriginal Clan, inhabited Frenchs Forest. Although there are very little Aboriginal people and communities left in this area there is still evidence of their habitation in the area in form of rock art, engravings, campsites and rock shelters.
Aboriginal Culture is one of the longest living cultures on our planet dating back over 80,000 years. Even so in this day and age people still find the subject uncomfortable or don’t have enough knowledge to comment on the history of aboriginals and therefore are afraid to offend. It is important as Australians to acknowledge the lands history and show respect to these cultures. Rather than only including Aboriginal perspectives if a child of Aboriginal heritage attends the centre it is important to teach all children about the diversity of our country and to learn to respect these cultures.
The Guringai group was the traditional owners of most of the northern parts of Sydney, including Frenchs Forest, so every year 11 councils from northern Sydney come together to celebrate the Guringai Festival. Every year during the festival I would celebrate the Guringai Clan by having a week of Aborginal activities such as didgeridoo performances and lessons, aboriginal artwork activities and perhaps an auction for Artwork made by Gurigal descendants. I would also have some speakers come in from the clan to talk about traditions and history of the clan.
On any large events such as the opening of the centre or birthdays etc I could contact the local elders and ask them if there are any traditional considerations to make or invite them to some of these events.
Another idea would be to use local language to name classrooms or age groups after consulting with the local community in regards to protocol and use of the language.
I would also ensure the centre has a broad range of resources such as having the aboriginal flag displayed along side the Australian flag, having books about aboriginal cultures read frequently, a variety of dolls of different races.
I would also include a calendar of events within the centre and make sure to add all of the indigenous events in the area.

References:
1. http://www.guringai.com.au/
2. http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org. ... tralia.pdf