Totem Self-Portraits

Learning Area:

English, Visual Arts

Relevant Content Descriptions:

Year 3: AC9E3LY07

Year 4: AC9E4LY07

Visual Arts Years 3/4: AC9AVA4E02 AC9AVA4D01 AC9AVA4C01

Learning Outcome:

Understand the importance of the Noongar totem system in conservation and create a self-portrait depicting a connection to a totem animal or favourite animal.

Learning Areas:

English, Visual Arts

Resources:

If possible, have the Aboriginal educator explain the totem system, as well as their responsibilities towards their animal totem, to students. Alternatively, there are texts available, such as:

• From Wheatbelt NRM: Noongar spiritual obligations to spirit ancestors are maintained according to the totems that live in the environment. Some examples of Noongar totems are jirda, birds, kwooyar – frogs, gooljak, kooljark, koolyak – swans, yoorn/ yoondarn – goannas and karda/caarda – lizards. Every individual has a spirit totem or an animal which they have a responsibility for and must treat with respect. Do not eat the animal of your totem. Children are still given totem animals today to look after and preserve. It is part of maintaining cultural traditions and a connection to all living things.

• Noongar Boodjar has a great collection of resources on animals which include images and Noongar vocabulary: https://noongarboodjar. com.au/education-and-training/for-teachers/ activities/?doing_wp_cron=1710385747.128382921 2188720703125

• A poster with Noongar Animals is available at: https://www.noongarculture.org.au/language/

Learning Sequence:

For Aboriginal students who know their totem:

1. Draw a picture of yourself in connection with your totem.

2. Add words or a story to describe how you care for your totem, how it guides or helps you, how it feels to have a totem, and how it’s important to you and/ or your family.

3. Share your work and story with the class.

For non-Aboriginal students:

1. Choose an animal that you feel is important or special to you.

2. Draw a picture of yourself in connection with this animal.

3. Add words or a story to describe why you feel the animal is special or important, what traits the animal has that you may share or learn from, and some ways you might be able to care for this animal.

4. Share your work with the class.