Yarra Healing focuses on Indigenous people of Melbourne who
belong to the Kulin Nation - the Wurundjeri, the Wathaurong, the Boonerwrung,
the Dja Dja Wrung and the Taungerong people. It invites visitors on
a journey of discovery and understanding about our local Indigenous
peoples and their heritage.
Yarra Healing also has a particular focus on Reconciliation.
The site features the many ways in which community, deanery, parish
and school groups are demonstrating their commitment to Reconciliation
through a range of events, practical initiatives, policy statements
and projects. Visitors to this site are encouraged to consider how
they might become involved with and support community efforts to advance
Reconciliation.
As with other websites, visitors are free to 'sample' and explore
in random and unstructured ways the many different items of information.
However, to gain full advantage from this website, it is suggested
that visitors engage in an inquiry/praxis approach to their investigation
of the site. This involves the following elements:
- collecting and scrutinising initial information
- asking questions
- reflection on new knowledge and interaction with others
- synthesis of new knowledge
- planning for and taking action
In exploring the site's many components, it is hoped that visitors
will be drawn into a process of constructing new understandings and
attitudes. Visitors are encouraged to reflect on their 'journey of
discovery' through articulating to and with others their answers to
the following questions:
- What have I learned?
- Why is it important?
- What difference does it make?
- What can I do with my new learning?
Record your personal journey in Yarra Healing.
Go to the Journal Page in the Reflections
section.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Underpinning the seIection of stimulus materials for Yarra Healing
is the expectation that they will be used in a variety of ways and
for differing purposes and outcomes. Particularly in classroom settings,
much will depend on which materials are used, the context in which
they are utilised, as well as the age, competencies and previous learnings/understandings
of students.
This broad range of learning outcomes is therefore proposed with
the expectation that teachers will adapt, extend or modify them according
to what they hope to achieve with and for the students in their care.
Learning Outcomes
- An increased awareness of Indigenous people and groups comprising
the Kulin nation, and of the stories which have affected and continue
to affect their lives;
- A heightened capacity to empathise with the experiences of loss
and dispossession which characterises the history of Indigenous
people and groups in post-contact times;
- An increased awareness of current issues (of local and national
significance) affecting Indigenous communities;
- An increased knowledge of and appreciation for the diversity and
depth of community organisations and initiatives that are dedicated
to the advancement of Reconciliation with Indigenous Australians;
- A commitment (or strengthened commitment) to working actively
within the community for justice and Reconciliation with Indigenous
Australians and all people who share this homeland.
Teaching and Learning Support Documents
Yarra Healing: An Overview of
Site Components
Language, Culture and Viewpoint: Issues
of Terminology
