FIRST AUSTRALIANS

AAPoly would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as custodians of the land on which we work and study. We respectfully acknowledge past and present owners of the land of the Wurundjeri people, and we recognise and value the culture, identity, and relationships that have been bound to the land and waters for generations. We acknowledge that Aboriginal sovereignty has never been ceded.

AAPOLY STUDENTS

I am sure people have described Australia to you as a multicultural country, one that welcomes people, like you, from outside Australia to start a new life.  Australia is often described as a ‘young’ country, but this ignores the lengthy history and continued living culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the world’s oldest living culture.

We believe it crucial to your experience here in Australia to learn about the First Australians. Please take some time to explore the recommended engaging resources below:

SHARE OUR PRIDE This website is designed to take you on an awareness-raising journey that will help you to answer questions, such as:

• Who are the First Australians?
• What special connection do the First Australians have to the land?
• (And for those students studying business and hospitality) What are some of the keys to serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customers well?

GAMBAY First Languages Australia has developed an interactive map that displays and promotes the diversity of Aboriginal languages and Torres Strait Islander languages. It showcases more than 780 languages.  Here is how to use the map:

• Find your location on the map, and the language group of that area will appear
• After clicking on the language group, you will find educational videos of ‘language legends’ talking about their culture
• You will also find audio segments which teach you how to pronounce the language
• There are also videos on the map where you can learn the original place names in your area through the ABC THIS PLACE series. This is a way of learning the local language and using it every day.

RECONCILIATION AUSTRALIA This is a lead body that promotes and facilitates reconciliation by building relationships, respect and trust between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.