ART101 - Lecture

The Newmar Cultural Block

  • One of the largest Aboriginal cultural blocks in Australia.

  • Covers Southwest in a diagonal line from south of Geraldton to near Esperance.

  • Encompasses a variety of clan groups within the Yungha cultural block.

Clan Details

  • Wadjuk Country: Perth, Fremantle, Swan River Valley.

  • Pinjarra Country: Further south near Mantra or Pinjarra.

  • Kwinana Country: Located further south than Pinjarra.

  • Balladong: Located to the east in the hills, near Northern York and Bitterly.

Non-Cultural Concepts

  • Learning is rooted in deep history and knowledge of the land.

  • Introduced words:

    • Ujjar: Refers to Country; signifies the land or important places.

    • War: Means family, encompassing blood relations and chosen relationships.

    • Mor: Means knowledge, emphasized as a framework for individual identity.

Personal Introduction

  • The speaker introduces themselves through their cultural story.

  • Birthplace: Born in Condobolin, a country town in Western Australia.

  • Current Life: Briefly lived in country towns; spent 20 years in the city, married to Louise with three adult daughters.

Community Development Program

  • The speaker teaches in the community development program.

  • Emphasizes collective knowledge—no one is an expert; everyone contributes.

Teaching Experience

  • Primary school teacher in Puukala, a remote community in the Ngaanadjarra lands.

  • Experience as a youth worker before teaching at the university.

Structure of the Unit

  • Classes consist of lectures followed by tutorials.

  • Friday Schedule: 09:30 to slightly before 14:00; attendance for the whole session is crucial as activities build on one another.

  • Emphasizes staying engaged and updated through email and announcements.

Course Themes

  • Start with immersing students in understanding their location and cultural knowledge.

  • Learn from First Nations scholars and experiences to develop a deeper understanding of community dynamics.

  • Future topics include mapping respectful movement in and out of communities and engaging with simplistic narratives about places and people.

Assignments and Reflections

  • Assignments will enable students to explore local communities, build skills, and allow creative expression.

  • Journaling:

    • Weekly journal for reflections, recordings of experiences, ideas, and responses.

    • Journals can be creative (drawings, sketches, etc.) or formal notes.

    • Aim for developing the habit of reflecting on learning experiences.

Creative Approaches in Community Development

  • Importance of using creativity, arts, and music in working with communities.

Upcoming Activities

  • Welcome barbecue at the Student Hub Winter Courtyard to foster community connections.

Student Engagement

  • Emphasis on connecting through shared learning experiences.

  • Open forum for sharing personal stories and educational goals.

  • Recognition of the need for education as a tool for empowerment and decision-making in community development.