Once upon a time, for a very long time, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people lived on this land. They knew the rivers, the animals and the stories of the land. They looked after Country like a garden and shared with each other.
Then, people from a place called Britain came in big ships. They stayed and made farms and towns. The new people thought the land was empty and started using it in different ways.
This made things hard for First Nations families. They lost places they cared for, some of the animals and plants changed, and many people got sick because they had not seen some of the new sicknesses before. Some children were taken away from their families, which made families very sad.
Some First Nations people tried to keep their land and their homes. Many were hurt and treated unfairly. But First Nations people kept their stories, songs, dances and ways of looking after Country. Their culture is still strong today.
What we can do now:
- Listen to First Nations stories and learn their names for places and animals.
- Be kind and respectful. Say we are learning on First Nations land and thank them for sharing it.
- Visit museums or ask elders and teachers about Dreamtime stories and art.
- Remember to be gentle with the land, plants and animals the same way First Nations people care for Country.
Even though sad things happened, we can learn, say sorry, and try to be respectful friends now. First Nations people are still here, telling stories and caring for the land.
Would you like a simple activity? Try drawing a picture of the land and ask someone to tell you a story about the place you live. That helps us remember and respect First Nations people.