Importance of knowing how to use these resourses
Importance of knowing how to use these resourses
Understanding how to use resources created by Indigenous peoples is essential to showing respect and accuracy when learning about Indigenous cultures. These resources carry deep cultural knowledge, stories, and traditions that reflect lived experiences and connections to Country. Using them responsibly helps students recognise the importance of Indigenous voices in education and ensures cultural information is shared with care and authenticity. By engaging thoughtfully with these materials, Jessie’s classroom can foster respect, inclusivity, and awareness—encouraging students to appreciate Australia’s First Nations cultures as a vital part of our shared history and future.
Course 01: How To Use This Resource
1. Long Story Short Song
Before singing, share the story behind each song. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander songs hold deep cultural meaning beyond melody or chords. Listen to the recordings first, using notations as support. By understanding their stories, we connect more deeply and decolonise our approach to music, honouring storytelling at its heart.
2. Indigenous Instruments
This is an Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-created resource. Everything in Jessie’s Classroom comes directly from the lived experience, knowledge, and creativity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It’s about centering Indigenous voices, perspectives, and ways of teaching.
3. Singing in Indigenous Language
Before colonisation, over 250 languages and 600 dialects were spoken across Australia. Many are now lost due to colonisation and cultural suppression. Learning and singing in Indigenous languages is powerful—do so respectfully by collaborating with local communities and supporting their revival efforts. Use recordings if unsure or untrained.
4. Indigenous Engagement
Whenever possible, collaborate with your local Indigenous community to explore these songs, which embody the pride and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Engage respectfully by inviting and compensating speakers, attending NAIDOC or Reconciliation events, or consulting Indigenous Education Advisors—without overburdening elders or children with leadership roles.
5. Rearranging the songs
These songs are public and open for all Australians to use, but avoid altering them to preserve cultural integrity. Minor adaptations like key changes or harmonies are fine. For major changes, collaborate with a professional Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander musician to ensure cultural respect and appropriateness.
6. Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of one culture are used without understanding or respect, reinforcing imbalance and erasing meaning. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait music, this includes using instruments or songs without permission. When unsure, leave it out—collaborate with local Indigenous musicians or contact Jessie Lloyd for guidance.
7. Culturally Safe Spaces
Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures benefits everyone, but cultural safety is essential. Ensure all voices feel respected and valued. Avoid prioritising Western notation over Indigenous storytelling or letting non-Indigenous leaders control cultural events. When uncertain, follow earlier Indigenous engagement guidance to maintain respectful, safe collaboration.
1. Long Story Short Song
Before singing, share the story behind each song. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander songs hold deep cultural meaning beyond melody or chords. Listen to the recordings first, using notations as support. By understanding their stories, we connect more deeply and decolonise our approach to music, honouring storytelling at its heart.
2. Indigenous Instruments
This is an Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-created resource. Everything in Jessie’s Classroom comes directly from the lived experience, knowledge, and creativity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It’s about centering Indigenous voices, perspectives, and ways of teaching.
3. Singing in Indigenous Language
Before colonisation, over 250 languages and 600 dialects were spoken across Australia. Many are now lost due to colonisation and cultural suppression. Learning and singing in Indigenous languages is powerful—do so respectfully by collaborating with local communities and supporting their revival efforts. Use recordings if unsure or untrained.
4. Indigenous Engagement
Whenever possible, collaborate with your local Indigenous community to explore these songs, which embody the pride and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Engage respectfully by inviting and compensating speakers, attending NAIDOC or Reconciliation events, or consulting Indigenous Education Advisors—without overburdening elders or children with leadership roles.
5. Rearranging the songs
These songs are public and open for all Australians to use, but avoid altering them to preserve cultural integrity. Minor adaptations like key changes or harmonies are fine. For major changes, collaborate with a professional Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander musician to ensure cultural respect and appropriateness.
6. Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of one culture are used without understanding or respect, reinforcing imbalance and erasing meaning. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait music, this includes using instruments or songs without permission. When unsure, leave it out—collaborate with local Indigenous musicians or contact Jessie Lloyd for guidance.
7. Culturally Safe Spaces
Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures benefits everyone, but cultural safety is essential. Ensure all voices feel respected and valued. Avoid prioritising Western notation over Indigenous storytelling or letting non-Indigenous leaders control cultural events. When uncertain, follow earlier Indigenous engagement guidance to maintain respectful, safe collaboration.
1. Long Story Short Song
Before singing, share the story behind each song. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander songs hold deep cultural meaning beyond melody or chords. Listen to the recordings first, using notations as support. By understanding their stories, we connect more deeply and decolonise our approach to music, honouring storytelling at its heart.
2. Indigenous Instruments
This is an Indigenous-owned and Indigenous-created resource. Everything in Jessie’s Classroom comes directly from the lived experience, knowledge, and creativity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It’s about centering Indigenous voices, perspectives, and ways of teaching.
3. Singing in Indigenous Language
Before colonisation, over 250 languages and 600 dialects were spoken across Australia. Many are now lost due to colonisation and cultural suppression. Learning and singing in Indigenous languages is powerful—do so respectfully by collaborating with local communities and supporting their revival efforts. Use recordings if unsure or untrained.
4. Indigenous Engagement
Whenever possible, collaborate with your local Indigenous community to explore these songs, which embody the pride and strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Engage respectfully by inviting and compensating speakers, attending NAIDOC or Reconciliation events, or consulting Indigenous Education Advisors—without overburdening elders or children with leadership roles.
5. Rearranging the songs
These songs are public and open for all Australians to use, but avoid altering them to preserve cultural integrity. Minor adaptations like key changes or harmonies are fine. For major changes, collaborate with a professional Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander musician to ensure cultural respect and appropriateness.
6. Cultural Appropriation
Cultural appropriation occurs when elements of one culture are used without understanding or respect, reinforcing imbalance and erasing meaning. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait music, this includes using instruments or songs without permission. When unsure, leave it out—collaborate with local Indigenous musicians or contact Jessie Lloyd for guidance.
7. Culturally Safe Spaces
Engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures benefits everyone, but cultural safety is essential. Ensure all voices feel respected and valued. Avoid prioritising Western notation over Indigenous storytelling or letting non-Indigenous leaders control cultural events. When uncertain, follow earlier Indigenous engagement guidance to maintain respectful, safe collaboration.
FAQs
Who are these resources designed for?
Our materials are created for educators, students, and community leaders who want to make learning music engaging, accessible, and culturally informed.
Do I need any prior music experience to use these resources?
Not at all! Our tutorials and materials are designed for all skill levels — from complete beginners to experienced teachers.
What does “cultural guidance” mean?
Cultural guidance offers insights into the traditions, stories, and contexts behind each piece of music — helping learners connect more deeply with what they play and teach.
We, Jessie's Classroom , acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands and waters where we live, the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future; and honour the spiritual, cultural, and political connection to this unique place that has been ongoing for more than 2000 generations.© 2025 Jessie's Classroom. All rights reserved.
We, Jessie's Classroom , acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands and waters where we live, the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future; and honour the spiritual, cultural, and political connection to this unique place that has been ongoing for more than 2000 generations.© 2025 Jessie's Classroom. All rights reserved.
We, Jessie's Classroom , acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the unceded lands and waters where we live, the Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future; and honour the spiritual, cultural, and political connection to this unique place that has been ongoing for more than 2000 generations.© 2025 Jessie's Classroom. All rights reserved.