Civics and Citizenship Unit Ideas

Civics and Citizenship Unit Ideas

Goulburn Murray First Peoples Curriculum

It is essential to note upfront, that there is a variety of perspectives on each of the topics mentioned here. There is not one ‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective’. For this reason, it is important not to make assumptions when approaching community members as guest speakers etc.

Further, while the perspectives of some Indigenous people from the Goulburn Murray are included within these unit ideas, there are a number that are not. It is important to identify this when presenting the content to your students.

Topic / Unit Ideas
Year 3-4
Investigate why and how people participate within communities and cultural and social groups(VCCCC006)
●  identifying groups in the local community and exploring their purpose
●  discussing the motivations of people who have contributed to communities, for example local community volunteers, leaders and elders / There are a number of community organisations you may like to connect to here:
●  Yorta Yorta Nation
●  Bangerang Cultural Centre
●  Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative
The idea is to have someone from one of these organisations come in as a guest speaker, and discuss both their drive and motivation as individuals as part of the organisation.
Contact details for these organisations are included below.
Year 5-6
Identify different points of view on a contemporary issue relating to democracy and citizenship(VCCCC015)
Investigate how people with shared beliefs and values work together to achieve their goals and plan for action(VCCCC016)
●  investigating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and the services they provide / Contemporary issues you may like to examine:
●  Reconciliation
●  Constitutional recognition
●  The Treaty movement
The Organisations you may like to examine are similar to above, with the addition of a couple.
●  Yorta Yorta Nation
●  Bangerang Cultural Centre
●  Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative
●  Ganbina
●  The Department of Education’s Koorie Engagement Unit
●  Shepparton Reconciliation Group
These organisations may be able to provide a guest speaker to talk about the services they provide.
Contact details for these organisations are included below.
Year 7-8
Describe the process of constitutional change through a referendum (VCCCG021)
Examine how national identity can shape a sense of belonging and examine different perspectives about Australia’s national identity, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' perspectives(VCCCC027)
●  investigating representations of Australian identity evident in national day events (such as Anzac Day), and in the media and popular culture, to analyse different perspectives on the interpretation of national identity
●  explaining contemporary influences on the shaping of Australian national identity, such as the natural environment, immigration, attitudes to Asia and Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians
●  using personal stories to explore how individuals relate to national identity and how it impacts on their sense of belonging in the Australian community
Explain how groups express their identities, including religious and cultural identity, and how this expression can influence their perceptions of others and others’ perception of them (VCCCC026) / Constitutional change
The movement for recognition of Indigenous peoples in the Constitution is the perfect topic for consideration here.
Good general information on the movement can be found at the Recognise website, including videos and a Education Pack:
http://www.recognise.org.au/
It is important to note that there are a range of perspectives on the movement for Constitutional recognition, with many advocating a treaty instead.
There are some articles on local perspectives:
http://www.sheppnews.com.au/2017/01/28/71187/still-got-a-long-way-to-go
http://www.recognise.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/190114_Shepparton-News_crop.pdf
http://www.recognise.org.au/wp-content/uploads/shared/uploads/custom/ccd0196dd120d6ad4675.pdf
http://www.recognise.org.au/wp-content/uploads/shared/uploads/custom/55922281be2ecacdc9bb.pdf
A possible idea for schools would be to invite a community speaker to speak on this topic. Your KESO or the Shepparton Reconciliation Group (contact details below) may be able to assist with identifying a relevant guest speaker. This may be a good whole grade level event. Again, it is important to note that not all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will necessarily have a view in this topic, and that there will be a range of views.
National identity
Topics that could be examined here include:
●  The National Anthem
●  Australia Day
●  ANZAC Day (and the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander veterans)
●  Reconciliation
A range of general perspectives can be found through relevant media.
For an example of a local perspective, you may like to look at Deborah Cheetham’s view on the national anthem:
http://theconversation.com/young-and-free-why-i-declined-to-sing-the-national-anthem-at-the-2015-afl-grand-final-49234
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf3km1prLY4
http://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/nitv-news/article/2015/11/06/judith-durhams-new-anthem-lyric-contemporary-australia
A further example, this time on Australia Day:
http://www.sheppnews.com.au/2017/01/23/70393/should-we-find-another-day#
When it comes to personal stories of national identity, you might like to explore the following:
●  There will be some students who have strong views on this (although it is critical that this is not assumed and that you ask students first) - a possible idea is for a project, or piece of work, where all students record their sense of national identity in some form.
●  Having a parent or community speaker - your KESO may be able to assist with this (again, it is important not to assume that community members will necessarily have a strong opinion on this)
Explain how Australia’s international legal obligations shape Australian law and government policies, including in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples (VCCCL032) / It is recommended you look at the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
https://www.unicef.org/policyanalysis/index_67742.html
It is then recommended that you examine how Indigenous communities are working with government, of which, Empowered Communities is an example. This approach operates in a number of regions of Australia, including the Goulburn Murray:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=89&v=di6NzMBC5FM
http://empoweredcommunities.org.au/vision.aspx
http://empoweredcommunities.org.au/regions/goulburn-murray.aspx
http://www.smh.com.au/national/the-long-hard-road-to-empowering-indigenous-australia-20150326-1m8umm.html

Key Local Knowledge Featured in this Unit

Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation

www.yynac.com.au

(03) 5832 0222

Bangerang Cultural Centre

http://www.bangerang.org.au/home.html

03 5831 1020

Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative

https://www.rumbalara.org.au/

03 5820 0000

There is a Contact Us form on their website also.

Ganbina

http://www.ganbina.com.au/

03 5821 7333

Department of Education’s Koorie Engagement Unit

Katrina Penfold, Koorie Education Coordinator (Goulburn / Inner East North East Victorian Region)

Shepparton Region Reconciliation Group

Dierdre Robertson