Banjo Morton: The Untold Story - Student Learning Journal (Middle Years 5-10)

After eleven years of perseverance, award-winning documentary filmmaker, Lara Damiani, has released Banjo Morton – The Untold Story; a free, multimedia, interactive website. The website dives deep into the historic 1949 and 2009 Alyawarra walk offs in the Northern Territory, led by stockman and community leader, Banjo Petyarre Morton.

Using original footage, photographs, and voice recordings the site gives viewers remarkable access to what happened, why, and the political repercussions.

To give context to Banjo's actions, the website covers a range of topics. These include:

• Where Alyawarra country lies
• What it means to the people who live there
• The land claims and Native Title claims they have instigated and won

Chapters range from pre-1940s conditions in Australia for First Nations people, to the current music, dancing and art of the Alyawarra people and nation. The artwork has a fascinating focus on the elements of traditional bush medicine which are still used today. Every chapter has background information within it, and a reference and research section in the resource chapter, to help provide a complete picture and understanding of the content.

Combined with a comprehensive study guide for teachers and students, the Banjo Morton website is a wonderful new tool for schools to provide a diverse and complex view of Australian history and events.

ABOUT BANJO MORTON

In 1949, Banjo led the first walk-off by Aboriginal stockmen when he and his co-workers left Lake Nash cattle station; demanding pay in wages, not rations. Their actions paid off and they were offered £1 per week.

Sixty years later, in 2009, Banjo was back at it. This time, he led a walk-off in opposition to the Federal Government's 'Intervention.' The event gained attention from the United Nations.

A respected Alyawarra leader, Banjo passed in 2019, and trusted Lara to share his story. Lara worked on this labour of love for eight years before finding enough funds to finish the project. The website aims to both educate and celebrate, and is a valuable resource for schools, universities, community groups, historians, and the general public.

ABOUT THIS EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

This 31-page PDF teaching and learning resource invites students and educators to share in Banjo's story and the accompanying learnings, and has been designed in context of the Australian curriculum for middle years (Years 5–10 students) covering:

• Humanities and Social Sciences
• English
• Science
• Media Arts