Nyitting Birds

Learning Sequence:

1. Introduce the class to Nyitting (Dreaming). Nyitting time is when the land and animals were created. Nyitting stories teach us important lessons about how to stay safe on country and how to get along in our family and culture.

From noongarculture.org.au

The Nyitting or Dreaming means ‘cold,’ ‘cold time’ or ‘ancestral times.’ Noongar people know it as the Creation time. It is the time before time when spirits rose from the earth and descended from the sky to create the landforms and all living things. Nyitting stories laid down the lore for social and moral order and established cultural patterns and customs. Noongar creation stories can vary from region to region, but they are part of the connection between all living things.

1. Introduce the book about the Koolbardi and Wardang and revise Noongar vocabulary from previous learning. Encourage students to consider the lessons this story gives us.

2. Read the book in English and, if possible, in Noongar language. You may also listen to the Audio CD.

3. Sit in a yarning circle and allow each student to share a lesson they took from the story. Discuss the way dreaming stories have been passed down for thousands of years and are incredibly important in Aboriginal cultures. Extension: Challenge students to reflect on why this lesson is important in Noongar Culture, and how this lesson may have preserved healthy ecosystems.

4. Introduce the art activity to the class: Each student will draw (or provide outlines if needed) and colour in their own bird to make a story. Note: it is intended that students will create a fun, creative story about their bird. This in no way reflects or attempts to replicate the sacred dreaming stories in Noongar culture. If possible, an alternative would be to learn more about dreaming stories from Elders in your area.

5. Show an example picture of a Red Tail Cockatoo, and have students come up with reasons he might have a red tail, for example, perhaps he went too close to the fire, or he flew up too high and took the colours from the sun.

6. Have each student draw and colour their own bird, then write down or explain to a helper how their bird got its colours or patterns. Some students may also like to make up a name for their bird.

7. Extension Option: Write a short story about how the bird you have created got its colours and accompany it with illustrations.

8. Return to the yarning circle and take turns to share with the class. Provide opportunities for students to ask questions or provide feedback to each other.