Discovering a bit more about the Australian aborigines......and the colonization......

The First Australians.

Photo: Past and Present.

                       

Article 1: Before the whites’ arrival.

The Aborigines developed an enduring attachment to the land and an intricate understanding of their natural surroundings.

The Aborigines lived a semi-nomadic existence. They crafted tools, implements* and weapons for use in hunting, fishing, trapping and foraging*.They weren’t random meanderers, but followed set patterns* of travel according to the seasons and availability of food, water and shelter.

Under white Australian domination during the first half of the 20^th century, the Aborigines were compelled to* forsake* their heritage and assimilate. Tribes were removed from traditional territories and confined to reservation-like tracts. Customs, ceremonies and languages were lost.

The 1970’s public awareness and acknowledgement of the appalling injustices suffered by the Aborigines spurred* a reconciliation process, although it remains a work in progress.

[www.australiatodaymag.com]

Toolbox:

implements = outils, ustensiles

foraging = fouiller le sol à la recherche de nourriture

meanderers = (ici) ils n’erraient pas au hasard.

patterns = (ici) itinéraires fixés

were compelled to = être obligé de

forsake = (literary) abandon

spurred = (ici) déclenchèrent

Sum up.

 1. Present the documents. After reading article 1 “Before The White Arrival”, comment on the photo with the help of the text.

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 2. Go on Audacity (cf: pas à pas distribué en classe) & record yourself! You will then listen your neighbour........