Indigenous Studies Flashcards

Flashcards on Indigenous Studies topics

Externally Set Task (EST)

An assessment for AIS, with support materials available on Compass, including a sample test, marking key, content guide, and related articles.

Key Areas of Study include:

Songlines, Cultural and Spiritual Connections to Country, Two International First Nations Peoples’ Perspectives on Environment, Indigenous Astronomy Knowledge, Aboriginal Organisations/Businesses

Songlines

Aboriginal walking routes that crossed the country, linking important sites and locations. Maintained by regular use, burning off and clearing before colonisation.

Dreaming Pathways

Specific Songlines tracks forged by Creator Spirits during the Dreaming, with specific ancestral stories attached to them.

Cultural and spiritual connections to Country

Includes maintenance of cultural identity, Lore, family, kinship roles and obligations, and caring for Country.

Maintaining Cultural Identity

Being on Country, visiting and maintaining sacred cultural sites, caring for Country, revitalizing Aboriginal languages, storytelling, maintaining cultural kinship responsibilities, renaming places, representation of First Nations Cultures in mainstream media

Aboriginal Lore

Customs and stories the Aboriginal peoples learned from the Dreamtime. Passed on through songs, stories, and dance, and governs all aspects of traditional life.

The Wagyl

A large snakelike creature central to Noongar beliefs, law and custom. Responsible for the creation of the Swan and Canning Rivers and other waterways and landforms around present day Perth.

Two International First Nations Peoples

Native American Peoples and Maori.

Indigenous Peoples Worldwide

The United Nations estimates almost 5000 indigenous groups around the world, with a total global population of around 370 million, living in over 70 countries.

Effects of globalization on Indigenous peoples

Indigenous peoples and their cultures are threatened by the expansion of dominant cultures, leading to prejudice, discrimination, and potential extinction of unique cultures.

Native American Worldview

Land, animals, and plants are seen as sacred; people try to live in harmony with the Earth; belief in a Great Spirit or Creator; ceremonies, dances, and songs are important; elders are respected; strong emphasis on sharing.

Maori People

The Indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand) with a rich culture of tradition, language (Te Reo Māori), and a deep spiritual connection to the land and ancestors.

Maori and the Land

Whenua (land) is key to Maori identity. Healthy land is seen as essential to physical and spiritual health. By caring for land, Maori believe they are honoring their ancestors.

Family and Kinship in Noongar Culture

Moort (Family) is linked to identity. Elders are important in the extended family as keepers of kaartdijin (knowledge).

Caring for Country

Aboriginal people have been caring for Country for thousands of years, with Culture Burning as one important method.

Cultural Burning

Deliberately burning the landscape in a controlled way to: Prevent large destructive wild bushfires, Promote new plant growth, Germinate seeds and promote biodiversity, Make it easier to walk across Country

First Nations Astronomy

Stars, planets, Moon, and Sun are embedded in Dreaming stories that pass down law, creation stories, and moral lessons.

Practical Uses for First Nations astronomy

Navigation, Calendars & Seasons, and Timekeeping

First Nations Businesses and organisations

The background and reasons for the establishment of the organisation/enterprises and the benefits of the organisations, businesses and/or enterprise for Australian First Nations Peoples, including: social, economic, environmental, culture and identity, political.

Moodjar

An Aboriginal-owned and led cultural consultancy established in 2006. Its purpose is to create knowledge, respect, and understanding of Indigenous cultures globally, fostering reconciliation and cultural legacy.

Political Impacts of Moodjar

Moodjar helps people understand and respect Aboriginal ways of decision-making and leadership, Supporting Land Agreements, Working with Government and Business.

Social Impacts of Moodjar

Moodjar supports local groups and projects to create lasting benefits; run tours and workshops to help schools and organizations learn about Aboriginal culture; trains people at work to better understand and respect Aboriginal cultures.

Cultural Impacts of Moodjar

Bringing Language and Traditions Back, Keeping Culture Alive, Sharing Aboriginal Knowledge.