Teaching First Nations history

Nearly half of Australian teachers say they don't feel confident to teach First Nations history, according to research.

Historian and educator Associate Professor Al Fricker explains why so many teachers feel underprepared — and why it's not a personal failing. He offers some straightforward first steps, including where to find good resources and how to start building real connections with your local First Nations community.

How can you embed First Nations perspectives and knowledge in your curriculum?

And what are some ways to embed them across your whole school?

You'll also hear from teachers around Australia sharing what’s worked in their classrooms and schools: using the AIATSIS languages map, teaching the Frontier Wars through local history, trying the Eight Ways Pedagogy, and building a curriculum map so Aboriginal perspectives aren't left to chance.

Resources and tipsheetAssociate Professor Al Fricker’s recommended resources made by or with First Nations people

Ngarrngga: free, high-quality curriculum resources and professional development modules, spanning all subject areas from Foundation to 10. A collaboration between the Faculty of Education, Indigenous Studies Unit and Indigenous Knowledge Institute at the University of Melbourne.Australians Together: free curriculum resources, covering key learning areas from Foundation to Year 10. A non-profit organisation developing resources with First Nations Educators.Matilda Education: progressive, research-based, differentiated print and digital content for your classroom - content that matches the latest Australian curricula.Indigenous Education in Australia Learning and Teaching for Deadly Futures: an essential, practical resource for pre- and in-service educators on creating contexts for success for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Based on the latest research and practice, this book provides an in-depth understanding of the colonised context within which education in Australia is located, with an emphasis on effective strategies for the classroom.

Other resources and links

AIATIS Map of Indigenous AustraliaAIATIS free teaching resources and learning sequences including First FightersAIATSIS Guide to evaluating and selecting education resourcesYabun Survival Day SydneyColonial Frontier Massacre Map: Colonial Frontier Massacres, Australia, 1788 to 1930 and Introduction to the map by the University of Newcastle, AustraliaYeddonba Aboriginal Cultural Site: features an Aboriginal red-ochre