Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures

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.  

Image of the sign that asks people to not climb Uluru.

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 29^th of May 2015. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/46474/UluruAyers-Rock/images-videos

ABC. 2015. “Indigenous Language Map”. Accessed 29^th of May 2015. http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/map/

Amanda. 2015. “Ayers Rock Maps”. Accessed 29^th of May 2015. http://traveloutbackaustralia.com/ayers-rock-maps.html/

Bradtke Birgit. 2015.“Climbing Ayers Rock / Uluru” Accessed 29^th of May 2015. http://www.outback-australia-travel-secrets.com/climbing-ayers-rock-uluru.html

Young Emma.2010.“Park "encourages" Uluru climbers”. Accessed 29^th of May 2015. http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/news/2010/05/park-encourages-uluru-climbers