Aboriginal Studies Showcase
After months of painstaking academic research and creativity, 91黑料不打烊's inaugural group of HSC Aboriginal Studies students unveiled their major projects to family and friends. Opening with a moving Welcome to Country, it was an evening of deep learning and cultural appreciation.
"The HSC course is particularly exciting right now as Aboriginal issues have taken on a new prominence in Australian culture and media life in the lead up to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice referendum," said Aboriginal Studies and History teacher, Mr Nick Kovacs, who has been instrumental in introducing the subject at 91黑料不打烊.
A unique aspect of the course is its emphasis on consultation with Indigenous people and community organisations. The students were required to engage with members of the Indigenous community, building relationships to gain an authentic understanding of Aboriginal issues. Among those consulted were prominent figures such as Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians, and Thomas Mayo, a key figure in the "Yes" campaign.
One student, Lauren, worked closely with community members, Aunty Irene and Aunty Janelle, to create a website focusing on Aboriginal education. Her project, which received a perfect score, examined the traditional education of Aboriginal children “on country”, and how elements could be integrated into the present-day Australian curriculum to improve Indigenous student retention rates. Lauren aspires to become a primary school teacher, for which a deep understanding of Aboriginal issues will be an asset.
Amber created a compelling film exploring the complex issue of Indigenous affairs in Australia. Her piece included footage of the 1965 Freedom Ride, the 1967 Referendum, and the 1992 Mabo Case, providing a wholistic view of the ongoing struggle for Aboriginal sovereignty and self-determination. It concluded with a critical exploration of the "Yes" and "No" arguments for the Voice referendum posed solely by Indigenous peoples and the details behind both positions.
Amelie wrote a 7,000-word report on the complexities of reconciliation in the 21st century, arguing that it is the first step in healing the injustices of Australia's past and creating better opportunities for Aboriginal Australians. Her consultation with author, Dennis Foley, offered deeper insight into how reconciliation efforts and the process of truth-telling are felt by Aboriginal peoples.
Eliza's poster highlighted the cycle of disadvantage faced by Aboriginal peoples, with a focus on the Closing the Gap initiative launched in 2008. Her work emphasised the importance of improving Aboriginal health and longevity. This complimented her own aspirations for a career in nursing and allied health, providing insight into the importance of culturally response healthcare.
Jenny created a magazine dedicated to the importance of Aboriginal art and artists and their connection to culture and identity. Among its detailed pages were interviews with Aboriginal artists Tylah Saunders, Dean Cross, and Emma Hillingsworth, offering commentary on their inspiration, and the significance of art as an expression of heritage.
Emma created artworks that powerfully depicted the history of racism in Australian society. Using Blackout poetry and carefully constructed abstracts of information, Emma blended creative and academic mediums to provide a commentary on Australian race relations.
Harriet, in her project titled "Reframing the Australian Pastoral: The Stolen Wages", examined past legislation relating to the historical stealing of Aboriginal people’s wages, the restriction of their movement, and control of their rituals and identity.
"The standard of the students' work overall was exceptional. They have created materials that will leave behind a legacy of their involvement in Aboriginal Studies and be beneficial to future 91黑料不打烊 students across both the Junior and Senior Schools," Mr Kovacs said.