Learning from First Nations Authors

Students in our level 2 English as an Additional Language (EAL/AMEP) classes have been reading books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors that celebrate the rich and thriving culture, knowledge, and experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Together they are developing an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ histories and cultures while deepening their knowledge of contemporary issues like the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the referendum on a voice to parliament.

Most recently, the class read Finding Our Heart by Thomas Mayo and illustrated by Blak Douglas, a book about understanding Australia’s past, so we can have a shared future. The students loved the book and the illustrations so much that after 30 minutes they had only read three pages because of there was so much discussion and sharing of experiences. The students were really interested in learning about aboriginal culture and how it related to traditions in their own cultures.

“When we all came together at Uluru, we invited all Australian people to accept our voice and culture as a gift.” Thomas Mayo