Understanding culture starts at home; it starts with understanding, with critically reflecting on one’s own cultural background and assumptions, and appreciating that there are other perspectives and other ways of seeing the world and doing things, and that there are advantages in knowing each other better and in appreciating difference. This course looks at power and positioning of cultures and the difference between being in a mainstream and a minority culture. It starts with understanding oneself, and then moves to thinking about the histories and continuing cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the Country on which living and learning takes place. The course uses artwork and story with the aim of creating empathy, appreciation and understanding. 

In considering the course it is important to highlight that there is no single Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander history or cultural identity. There is a diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, identities and perspectives. It is important to explore both contemporary and traditional aspects of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and contributions.


During the course, you will be directed to the Share Our Pride website, which aims to support understanding of the histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and past policies directed at these groups.  Understanding how past events may have affected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is essential to developing cultural competence in Australia.