Encounter – First Nations Knowings
This is a unit of 5 sessions over a semester designed to contextualise fundamental understandings in privileging First Nations Perspective in our national and local Diocesan context. In this unit, participants will explore an understanding of ontological differences between First Nations peoples and non-Indigenous peoples and the foundations for understanding cultural difference. Participants will consider the application of knowledge gained through the unit by exploring cultural and personal values as individuals and their impact as educators.
Registration: Participants need to register through iLearn by 25 April 2024. There is a cap of 15 participants.
Accreditation: 10 hours to Teach Religion in a Catholic School
Costing: $100 per participant
Module 1: Who are the First Nations peoples [Connect]
This session introduces the diversity of First Nations groups in Australia and considers how these cultural identities make Australia a unique country. Everyone has a cultural identity and understanding the diverse cultural identities in Australia is an essential element of achieving reconciliation. It explores the concept of Country, as an expression of First Nations knowings.
Module 2: Story of Place: Honouring our Shared History [Respect]
This session develops a deeper appreciation for a major founding purpose of our diocese; namely, a mission of outreach and ministry with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Far North Queensland. This session uses photo yarn as a lens to view our local context in the Diocese of Cairns.
Module 3: First Nations Worldviews – Ways of Valuing, Being, Knowing and Doing [Respect]
This session introduces ways of knowing, being and doing from First Nations worldviews where relational process is as the heart of “being.” In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worldviews an entity cannot exist unless it is in relation to something else. First Nations ways of being (ontology) is a process of relating to the world. It explores the concept of storying, and narrative as an expression of First Nations knowings.
Module 4: My Way – Ways of Valuing, Being, Knowing and Doing [Respect]
This session identifies participants’ own ways of valuing, being, knowing and doing that informs their methodological approach, through symbolic representation.
Module 5: Impact of Colonisation – Local & State Experience [Reflect]
This session explores the shared history since European settlement and the events that unfolded at the time of European settlement. Participants engage with hidden history in national, state, and local context.
Module 6: Truth telling – Intergenerational trauma, Stolen Generations [Reflect]
This session explores the ongoing impacts of intergenerational trauma on Australia’s First Nations peoples since European settlement.
Module 7: The Uluru Statement from the Heart [Embrace]
This session explores how the Uluru Statement from the Heart and what it is asking. It explores the voices of First Nations peoples who were part of the dialogue at the National Constitutional Convention. Through dialogue it explores where participants are in this journey and the role of all Australians.
Module 8: What racism? [Reflect]
This session uses positive and constructive conversations to learn about racism considering the broader context and external experiences, as well as reflect on individual behaviours and how people can intentionally or unintentionally cause racial harm to others.
Module 9: Cultural Backpacks [Embrace]
This session explores how educators can further create culturally safe places when understanding privilege or marginalisation in the system of education.
Conclusion to Sessions
Kai Kai/Maui (shared meal)
