People from civilisations around the world have places that are special to them. These places may be special because of religious, historical, environmental, mythical or cultural reasons. Many of these sites are structures built by ancient peoples, others are modern structures or even ruins of past or even unknown civilisations, whilst in many cultures features of the landscape form significant parts of their beliefs and customs.

This Research Module aims to develop an understanding of why certain sites are significant to people from different cultural or religious backgrounds, with a special reference to the Australian Aboriginal people. Teachers and students should be mindful of and sensitive to cultural and ethnic differences when studying this module.

Special Places has been designed to cater for all four stages in the primary grades beginning with personal and leading to global awareness. The modules have been designed by a number of Aboriginal teachers from CAP schools in NSW, CAP consultants and in consultation with the NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG).

The modules for each stage are:

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Early Stage One
All people have places that are special to them.
These may be places where they feel safe, are happy, have fun and celebrate special events.
"What is your favourite place?"

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Stage One

There are many special places that people use for different reasons.
They may be used as meeting places or for festivals, ceremonies and celebrations.
"Why do some sites become special places?"

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Stage Two
Throughout history many sites have had special significance to indigenous people from different cultures. Over time some have been lost, destroyed, damaged, or have had their existence threatened. Many people in the United Nations are concerned about the possible loss of world heritage sites.
Groups of concerned people have been invited to present a report to the United Nations Assembly on significant indigenous sites, their importance to world cultural heritage and the need to preserve them.
"Which world heritage sites to preserve?"

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Stage Three
Many significant sites for Aboriginal and non_Aboriginal people have been lost forever due to thoughtless and unchecked development. The Government has appointed you as a Cultural Heritage Advisor. Your task is to recommend to the Government which significant sites should be protected and preserved for future generations.
"Which sites will you save?"

 

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