The “Australian Curriculum, Assessment andReporting Authority” (ACARA 2013) is a national independent organization that
ensures Australian children receive a world class education. ACARA has
identified three important Cross Curriculum Priorities that must be
incorporated into subjects. Today this article will focus on ‘Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures’(ACARA 2013). Geographically
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have may different tribal and
language groups all across Australia. Each of the tribes have their own sacred
sites and traditions that are upheld on their land.
One of the
geographical issues that continues to divide Australians is the Aboriginal
sacred site and tourist mecca Uluru, previously labelled Ayres Rock by
Europeans. It is located in the heart of central Australia. On the 26th October
1985, Uluru's custodianship was transferred back to its original owners the
'Anangu' people, who leased it "to the Australian Parks and Wildlife
Service for 99 years" (Swallow 2010) in order to have continued funds for
the local community. While the traditional owners are happy for people to visit
their sacred site, they ask visitors not to climb it because under traditional
law only senior men that have been "initiated into their culture"
have that right (Swallow 2010). Despite that 38% of tourists make the climbeach year. In 2010 it was established if the amount of people climbing Uluru falls
below 20 per cent the climb will be shut down (Young 2010).
By educating students on indigenous values and the reasons
behind them hopefully Australian’s will be more culturally respectful in the
future.
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Image of the sign that asks people to not climb Uluru. |
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Indigenous map of Uluru; listing names of sacred sights and places. |
Reference List
ACARA. 2013. “Cross-curriculum priorities” Accessed 29th of May 2015.
http://www.acara.edu.au/curriculum/cross_curriculum_priorities.html
Swallow Julian. 2010. "On this day: Aboriginal Australians get Uluru back". Accessed 29th May 2015. http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/blogs/on-this-day/2010/10/on-this-day-aboriginal-australians-get-uluru-back
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. 2015. “Uluru/Ayers Rock” . Accessed 29th of May 2015. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/46474/UluruAyers-Rock/images-videos
ABC. 2015. “Indigenous Language Map”. Accessed 29th
of May 2015. http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/map/
Amanda. 2015. “Ayers Rock Maps”. Accessed 29th of
May 2015. http://traveloutbackaustralia.com/ayers-rock-maps.html/
Bradtke Birgit. 2015.“Climbing Ayers Rock / Uluru” Accessed 29th of
May 2015. http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com/climbing-ayers-rock-uluru.html
Young Emma.2010.“Park "encourages" Uluru climbers”.
Accessed 29th of May 2015. http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/news/2010/05/park-encourages-uluru-climbers
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