Week 1
This week was mainly focused on multiculturalism, my personal opinion is i believe Australia should be a multicultural society, which it now basically is. I enjoy having all different cultures, and I think that is what really makes Australia unique. I believe that although most of Australians are accepting of the different races, there are a few who are not supportive of that, but it will improve in time.
Week 2
During week 2, we looked closely at Kath Walker and what a great woman and how inspiring she was to others. She believed in herself very deply, which is what helped her to become such a strong woman. I think everyone could take something from her. Even with her many childhood struggles being an aboriginal person, she accomplished many great things.
Week 3
We looked into "Welcome to Country" and "Acknowledgement" speeches this week. You will often see "Welcome to Country
speeches before any major sporting events, where they thank the original aboriginal owners of the land, and will most likely watch a traditional song and dance, or presentation that includes the traditional costumes, instruments and stories. The Aboriginal people will also probably bless the event. The difference between the "Acknowledgement" speeches and "Welcome to Country" speeches is during the "Acknowledgement" speeches they are just acknowledged, which is usually when a traditional custodian is unavalible. It was good to get a better and wider understanding of the two speeches this week.
speeches before any major sporting events, where they thank the original aboriginal owners of the land, and will most likely watch a traditional song and dance, or presentation that includes the traditional costumes, instruments and stories. The Aboriginal people will also probably bless the event. The difference between the "Acknowledgement" speeches and "Welcome to Country" speeches is during the "Acknowledgement" speeches they are just acknowledged, which is usually when a traditional custodian is unavalible. It was good to get a better and wider understanding of the two speeches this week.
Week 4
"The Stolen Generations" is what we mainly learnt about during this week. For aboriginal or half-caste children and families would have been a tough time, children separated from their families and homes, to go live lives they had no idea about. We watched the movie "The Rabbit Proof Fence" and it is shocking to see the hurt and pain those families are going through. It was a horrible decision to make, I personally believe and many others agree with me. I think the British thought that their way of life was better or more enjoyable, and wanted to help the Aboriginal people, but they were happy they way things were with their own culture and way of life. I believe it should have been a decision they could have decided upon themselves.
Week 5
During this week, we focused on the differences and similarities between the Traditional Indigenous Australian Aboriginies and The white Australians. For example the rights, the racisim, cultures or beliefs and are the accepted? I think nowadays majority of white Australians accept the Aboriginal people, however there are a few who don't accept them. I personally think it is wrong, I think Aboriginal people, Australians and any other culture or race of people in Australia should all be treated equally, a physical appearance or belief shouldn't change the rights between people. I believe that it will progress in future and everyone will be treated as equals.
Week 7
During week 7, we learnt about NAIDOC week (National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee.) NAIDOC week is a day that occurs on the first Sunday in July until the following Sunday and involves Aboriginal and Islander people. It recently celebrated is 40th anniversary. Since it has been established it has held many significant events.
Week 8
This week they year 9 Cultural Studies class went for an excursion up to the Brisbane art gallery, visiting Goma. It was an amazing experience, that help the student expand their knowledge on the culture, looking at the different paintings, scultptures, videos and more about the Aboriginal people and their lifestyle.