First Nations Sustainability

In this lesson, discover how First Nations knowledge supports sustainable environments and culture. Students will discover how First Nations practices support the conservation of environments and materials, using sustainable management techniques that have been passed down for thousands of years.

On a guided walk, students will identify native plants and learn their traditional uses for food, medicine, tools, and everyday items. They’ll uncover how the unique properties of plants influence their selection for making tools and objects that sustain First Nations culture.

Students will also have the opportunity to build Country together, using natural materials and maps—an activity that highlights the importance of balance and respect for the environment.

• Learn how First Nations practices support the conservation of environments and materials.
• Go on a discovery walk to find native plants and learn how they are used by First Nations people.
• Discover how the different properties of plants determine their selection for making tools and items that support the continuation of First Nations people and culture.
• Create micro communities using natural materials and maps.

Aboriginal Peoples use and care for the environment sustainably

• Identify and use appropriate terminology when sharing knowledge about the country.
• Describe how Aboriginal Peoples sustainably use the resources of Country.
• People use geographical information to understand climates and environments.
• Describe ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples map Country and Place.

People have a responsibility to care for Australia's environment

• Observe and describe ways people organise places into spaces for different purposes.
• Identify strategies that minimise waste and make the most of resources to sustain environments.
• Investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander food practices that are sustainable. 

Focus Syllabus Outcomes

• Describes Aboriginal Peoples’ obligations to Country, Culture and Community (HS2-ACH-01)
• Explains how people care for Australia’s environments and participate in Australian society, using geographical information (HS2-GEO-01)