Teacher Professional LearningYaluk Langa: Cultural Practice, History and Ecology

Uncle Bill Nicholson Jr
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Elder, Uncle Bill Nicholson Jr, is the principal cross-cultural educator working across Wurundjeri’s corporate, not-for-profit and university sectors. Uncle Bill is passionate about sharing his extensive cultural knowledge with the broader community, and advocates for the rights of contemporary Wurundjeri to access and practice culture on their traditional homelands. As a Winston Churchill Fellowship recipient, Uncle Bill explored cultural practice and maintenance among First Nations communities in urban environments. He was also a member of the Victorian delegation nominated to attend the First People’s Assembly that led to the development of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Yaluk Langa
The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people hold an important cultural association to the Birrarung/Yarra River. The Heide grounds and surrounding areas are central to the traditional homelands of their Wurundjeri willam ancestors and creation beliefs.

Yaluk Langa (‘River’s Edge’ in Woi-wurrung language) is a collaborative indigenous landscape project developed between Traditional Owners and the Heide team. Yaluk Langa provides opportunities for Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people to achieve their responsibilities in caring for Country, what is known as Bunjil’s Law, and to highlight their living culture.

 

Curriculum links

Visual Arts:
F-10 Explore and Express Ideas, Visual Arts Practices, Present and Perform, Respond and Interpret

History:
3–4 Historical Knowledge Community, Remembrance and Celebrations, First contacts
7–8 Historical Knowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait and Islander Peoples and Cultures

Capability:
F-10 Intercultural capability

 

Teacher Professional Standards addressed:

2.1.2 Content and teaching strategies of the teaching area(s)

2.4.2 Understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to promote reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians