Woonyoomboo: The Night Heron

Dance Drama Media Arts Music Visual Arts Age 5-12

Woonyoomboo: The Night Heron is an important Creation story from the Nyikina community of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It follows the journey of their creation ancestor Woonyoomboo, a “mapping man” who created and named their Country and left the Walangarri (songline) that teach people about the places and plants, sacred sites, caring for Country and the lore.

Created in collaboration with Nyikina senior custodians, young people and community members, this resource includes video and engaging animation following the story of Woonyoomboo’s journey.

The course, developed in partnership between The Song Room and SharingStories, authentically addresses cross-curriculum priorities (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures and Sustainability), and General Capabilities are embedded throughout.

Woonyoomboo: The Night Heron covers all areas of the Arts – Music, Dance, Drama, Media Arts and Visual Arts. It is filled with lessons, videos, activity sheets and extension ideas that can be used in the classroom or shared with students learning remotely.

The Nyikina community has provided teachers with detailed classroom teaching protocols to assist them to respectfully teach the material and learn from First Nations Peoples.

What's Inside

  • Nyikina Welcome to Country Video
  • Seven 60 minute lessons for students in Years 3 - 6
  • Additional engaging visual media resources to share with students
  • Six activity sheets that support and extend lesson content
  • Links to other learning areas of the curriculum including Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) and English
  • Learning experiences that foster well-being, connection and collaboration

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