We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians throughout Australia and their continuing connection to their ancestral lands and waters. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
Readers should be aware that this webpage and the Aboriginal Change Makers resource contains culturally sensitive material, including images and voices of deceased people.
Aboriginal Change Makers is a teaching resource for Victorian schools that presents amazing stories of political and social activity, self-determination, and empowerment, as well as the struggle for recognition in the face of another more dominant and colonising society.
Available to view online or download as a free eBook.
Both the online and eBook versions contain the complete resource. To view the eBook version, you'll need to use a free eBook reader, like Adobe Digital Editions or Apple's Books app.
This special presentation by Dr Lois Peeler AM, Principal of Worawa Aboriginal College, celebrates the release of Aboriginal Change Makers in July 2021. Dr Peeler is joined by Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Colin Brooks to recognise the unique collaboration between Worawa Aboriginal College and the Parliament of Victoria that has brought about this much-needed resource.
Teachers may find that this video provides a useful context for the Change Maker stories, which could be used as a starting point when introducing them to students.
Aboriginal Change Makers will see students embark upon a body of work that explores the stories and actions of strong, determined and committed Aboriginal Australians. Topics and concepts are presented with teaching notes and suggested activities to provide a flexible and practical learning guide. Throughout the resource, students are encouraged to explore personal and alternative perspectives and examine factors that influence understanding and bias.
This resource shares aspects of Aboriginal history that are little known in the broader community, including the harsh reality of life on an Aboriginal Mission or Reserve. It highlights the struggle of Aboriginal people to gain equal rights with other Australians - to create a future for new generations.
The rich collection of stories included in this resource honour just some of the Aboriginal Change Makers who, through their commitment and determination, made a difference in Aboriginal society in Victoria that rippled across the country.
Their stories are told here by Aboriginal Elder and Educator Dr. Lois Peeler AM, widely known as Aunty Lois. A recognised Elder in the Aboriginal community, Aunty Lois has community or ancestral connections to many of the esteemed leaders and Change Makers who are honoured in this body of work.
The development of Aboriginal Change Makers has been based on the historical record, cultural protocols, community connections and family corpus. Whilst the authors have worked with particular texts and gathered stories and information from a number of primary and secondary sources, this resource is, in essence, the coming together of the various stories of the amazing and courageous Aboriginal leaders who have made important political and social change.
These stories and events are told to educate young Victorians about the role of Aboriginal Change Makers in the fight for equality and a more just society for all of us.