ARNHEM LAND -HISTORY OF CONTACTS WITH ABORIGINAL PEOPLE

This is the first in a series of history units with a focus on "outside" contacts with long established Aboriginal people of Arnhem Land. This unit can stand alone, but if you want to continue the theme it can link with units 6B and 6C. In general the trading contacts of the Macassans with Aboriginal groups across Arnhem Land was peaceful and mutually beneficial. This contrasts with other contacts (mainly British/European) that were considered intrusive and unwelcome. The unit shows the situation by map, text, photograph and diagram. It also includes materials from a visit to Macassan Beach where a walk and signage system clearly shows that Aboriginal people regard the Macassan contacts as part of their cultural history. Take the walk! Observe the material and you should be able to learn enough to respond to the set questions in the final page. These are provided as an attachment so you can provide black and white hard copies.