‘Get the Conversation Started!’ NOW RUNNING IN SCHOOLS!

‘Get the Conversation Started!’ is a 90 minute program delivered in secondary schools which endeavours to get students connected with topics and conversations about the Indigenous community. ‘Get the Conversation Started!’ is Unity Foundation's front line program aimed at supporting schools presenting Indigenous culture to their students.

In 2008-2009, ‘Get the Conversation Started!’ will reach 10,000 Victorian secondary school students (aged 13-19 years) with funding from the Stan Willis Trust and the Portland House Foundation. Developed in collaboration with The Long, Unity Foundation, and the Indigenous community, this program supports students to make a difference, be heard and gain a voice in their community. Forums introduce a number of broad social concepts to students and assist them in developing their own project to make a difference in the student’s community.

The forums seek to motivate students to generate change. At the conclusion of each forum students are encouraged to take a lead to “Get the Conversation Started!” in their school and community. Student representatives identify activities and projects which are to be based upon the student populations identified values and interests.

Projects will be highlighted through the ‘Get the Conversation Started’ website. The site also offers access to a number of services and resources to assist students/schools with implementation of their projects. Students have the opportunity to share their projects, successes and news with peers across the state through the website

For further information regarding this innovative program or to book a forum for your school please contact Unity Foundation.

Unity Foundation's Overall Strategy for Schools

To be implemented over the next five years ( 2008-2012), the Schools Presenting Indigenous Culture to Youth (SPICY) strategy provides both primary and secondary level students and teachers with the resources to include Indigenous culture, history and origin into Australian school curriculum. Drawing from the experiences of a similar project in Canada and applying the underlying philosophies of the Unity Foundation, SPICY provides an inclusive tool, which aims to educate and inspire both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students in the workings and philosophies of Australia's Indigenous people. Indigenous is the term used to describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia. The term Indigenous means 'first' and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the first peoples of Australia.

The Schools Presenting Indigenous Culture to Youth (SPICY) strategy is pitched to compliment the different developmental levels of the students throughout their school years and covers five vital areas:

Origin and Settlement

Explore Indigenous origin and settlement patterns across Australia. Stories of Indigenous origin and settlement are central themes and provide students with a wealth of text, images, audio (including oral histories) and video resources. An examination of specific Indigenous communities, which traces the evolution of Indigenous peoples from nomadic tribes to dynamic communities, settled across our nation.

Indigenous Contributions

The achievements and significant contributions of Indigenous people have changed the societal landscape throughout Australia in many ways. The spirit of the Indigenous Contributions Module is to introduce students to the many contributions of Indigenous people in areas such as the Arts, Music, Theatre, Science and Technology, Sports and Recreation as well as Politics. Awareness of the extent of Indigenous contributions empowers young people and encourages their social development. Indigenous and non-Indigenous students discover how many individuals overcome negative influences and create and embrace fulfilling lives and careers.

Culture and its Meaning

Indigenous Peoples across Australia possess a rich history and heritage. Understanding Indigenous identity as it relates to culture is important for Indigenous and non- Indigenous peoples alike. Through the Indigenous Culture and Its Meaning Module, students explore how Indigenous People used and continue to use traditions, symbols, practices, events and objects to express their identity. Active participation by students in diverse activities promotes learning and ultimately contributes to their overall understanding of Indigenous People and communities throughout Australia.

Language and Culture

Today, many Indigenous children do not communicate in their first languages. In some communities, it is only the Elders who speak the language. Recognizing the critical importance of Indigenous Languages, the Indigenous Language and Culture Module emphasizes the importance of language to culture and traditional education. For non- Indigenous students, this module introduces students to a variety of other language groups, helping them to recognize how language influences culture, traditions, beliefs and values.

Spirituality and Creation

Indigenous people share many values and traditions. However, each community has a unique view of creation and spirituality. Indigenous values and beliefs are resilient, and spirituality is central to the continuing growth and survival of Indigenous communities. The sacred underpins all aspects of life. The Indigenous Spirituality and Creation module recognizes Indigenous creation stories, teach students to respect Indigenous spirituality in all that it encompasses. By exploring different creation stories and beliefs, students develop an appreciation for the Indigenous worldview and learn that Indigenous Peoples are not homogeneous. For Indigenous students, this module fosters a sense of pride in their culture and spiritual heritage. For non- Indigenous, it reinforces the importance of Indigenous spirituality.