Stories, knowledge and Country

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytelling traditions are ancient and living. Dreaming stories can carry knowledge about creation, Country, kinship, law, responsibilities and ways of living. Their meanings and telling practices differ between communities. Some stories are public to share; others are restricted or belong to particular people or places. A story should not be treated as a made-up tale that anyone can retell in any way. Country means more than land. It can include waters, skies, plants, animals, people, culture and responsibilities, with deep connections that continue across generations. When analysing a story shared with permission, readers can notice its setting, characters, events, language and message. They should use evidence from the story, listen to the knowledge holder’s guidance, and avoid claiming one story represents all First Nations Peoples. In this fictional classroom scenario, a class is preparing to discuss a story that has been shared for learning by its appropriate knowledge holders. The class has been told which parts may be discussed and that the story belongs to a particular community. The students are asked to analyse only the shared version and follow the guidance given.