TEACHING NOTES

Introduction to
Last Updated:

25th October 2015

th

27 October 2015

Venue:
First week: To be read
in the evening, whilst
still in the higher
country (Alpine
environment)
The journey: Canvas
to be added to
throughout trip.

Format:

1. Learning Resources and recommended readings

Hand outs (1 for
group)

Our country, our life, our spirit (Painting)

This artwork is a depiction of the Snowy Mountains landscape and the spirit that looks over it. The land
is our mother and is bringing the traditional people of the mountains back together to share our stories
of family and culture. The river to our people is the life source of the land that keeps the cycle of life
continuing, from the plants to the animals and the people. When travelling through the land the one
thing that I feel in awe of is the giant boulders that spread across the landscape like monuments of a
once strong and proud people who were the caretakers of this beautiful country.
Cheryl Davison, Monaro Ngarigo, 2005.
Piece of calico, paints

Reference books

Yeeribie/ Dhirrayn - Written by members of the Kosciuszko Aboriginal Working Group on behalf of
Aboriginal people associated with the mountains.

2. Logistical Considerations

Fatigue (people may be tired and want to go straight to bed)

Weather (would be better told on a clear night, but we may have rain for a whole week)
After dinner (not hungry)

3. Intended Learning Outcomes

Develop a stronger understanding of the Indigenous connections to place (the high country)
Encourage group development

4. DELIVERY
ENVIRONMENT: At night, after dinner with a hopefully clear sky.
STAFF ROLE: Read out the reading and facilitate the activity.
Participant

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Day

Time

Lesson notes

Introduction
Recognise the traditional landowners and briefly explain the reading/ authors/ purpose

Body
Part 1: Read out Yerribie/ Dhirrayn (see attached) Written by members of the Kosciuszko
Aboriginal Working Group on behalf of Aboriginal people associated with the mountains.
Part 2: Explain the activity
Show Cheryl Davisons Our country, our life, our spirit
Create a dot painting based on the place, connection to it, in reflection of the Indigenous. It will be
a community effort. Each member of the group can choose to add to it at any point of the trip,
however everyones input would be largely appreciated. The canvas will be available to work on in
down time and rest points along the trip.
Part 3: Canvas added to throughout trip
Conclusion
At the end of the trip have a completed dot painting canvas based on our trip and connection to
land in reflection of the Indigenous land owners.

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