SUBJECTS: English
YEARS: 7–8
Some places hold special importance for us.
Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a very strong sense of connection to their ancestral lands. They are important elements of their history and culture.
In this audio clip, listen to two Noongar speakers talk about their connection to place.
Things to think about
- 1.What does a home mean to you? Create a mind-map that outlines all of the reasons why your home is important to you. Find out what the Noongar term 'wadjela' means. (An online Noongar word list might help.)
- 2.What event reminded the first speaker of his special connection to the reserve? What is he reminded of when he goes there? Describe the place that the second speaker feels a connection to. What makes this place special for her?
- 3.Why do you think the second speaker took her nieces and nephews to the place she thinks of as home? She says that this was also an important place for the wadjelas, who cleared the land for farming. Does this suggest that Noongars and wadjelas both value places, whether it be for the same or different reasons? What do you think?
- 4.Imagine a situation in the future where you take your own children to a place that holds a special meaning for you. Write a short script of the conversation you might have with them as you try to encourage them to see the place's significance.
Date of broadcast: 4 Jun 2011
Copyright
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