How can I integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait perspectives into my class? | Where to start?

Feb 8, 2024

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Kas

A broad question with many different starting points. When I was a beginner teacher the ‘Yulunga’ resource was an extremely valuable tool that allowed me to engage my students in a genuine understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture through the use of games in physical education lessons.

Yulunga means playing in the language of the Kamilaroi (Gamori) people of northern-western New South Wales.Yulunga: Traditional Indigenous Games is a selection of games and activities from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies all around Australia. It provides an opportunity to learn about, appreciate and experience aspects of Indigenous culture.

There are numerous resources similar to the one that is being highlighted, each serving a slightly different purpose and aim. I’m only going to being discussing this one particular resource as I think it is the best and most comprehensive in terms of game-based learning for students. 

What I like about the Yulunga Resources:

  • It provides activities for reception all the way to Year 10
  • Its curriculum aligned
  • It shares history and culture of numerous Aboriginal and Torres strait islander peoples from all over Australia
  • It gives you succinct teaching points
  • Provides you with safety considerations
  • Its a unique way to engage your students in learning, an alternative to videos and task sheets

Most importantly …

It gives you a brief history and origin story of each game and explains why and how the games were played .…yes… This is all in one resource! There are 100’s of game cards for you to choose, each covering a variety of sports.

It Is A Powerful Resource

Our students are provided with so much information every day and in every lesson. At times I worry we are just talking to them… not really engaging them or allowing them to learn in a way that will create memory retention and a positive connection with the content they are learning.

Yulunga activities by nature are game passed and active movement learning experiences. We can teach students about culture and history in a way that they will enjoy and want to revisit time and time again. Using the original terminology and ensuring that the history behind every activity is discussed, it can be implemented to create powerful and impactful learning experiences.


How I Have Used It | Bigger than just activities!

Other than integrating into all of my lessons as warm-up activities or alternative activities in a range of units, I have been able to integrate into community events.

The main one being our school sports days. Whilst we have traditional athletics activities, game-based activities and novelty events. I have ensured that over my time at certain sites I would always incorporate multiple Aboriginal and Torres Strait traditional games, using game cards, information and unique equipment. These events due to their connection to country and uniqueness became very popular and highlights of the day.

Paying our respects to the traditional custodians of our Australian country goes further than a brief recognition at the start of important events or ceremonies.

Please note, I think it is extremely important to ensure we recognise and acknowledge the traditional owners of country- but we all already know this. What can we do that is more than surface level? What can we do that really integrates Aboriginal and Indigenous perspectives into larger school events?

Yulugna is a great place to start this journey.

Resource Acknowledgment/ Foreword: Mr. Adam Goodes

(AFL Footballer, Sydney Swans Legend) Ambassador, Indigenous Sport Program, Australian Sports Commission

The Yulunga: Traditional Indigenous Games resource was developed to provide all Australians with a greater understanding and appreciation of Indigenous culture — the way it was many thousands of years ago and still is today. Over the years sport has played a major role in developing a socially cohesive environment within Indigenous communities. Many of the games you see today have evolved from traditional games of the past. Through this unique sporting resource, traditional Indigenous culture can be experienced and enjoyed by all Australians. It combines curriculum principles and cultural traditions in sport-related activities for people of all ages, while ensuring the integrity of traditional games. It can be used in schools around Australia as an educational resource and as a guide to inclusive, structured sport within communities.\

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