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This workshop is designed to compliment Saplings and to deepen the learning experience. Find out more about Saplings.
Overview
Guided by First Nations musicians, students will explore how song becomes a voice for truth and transformation – investigating stories of colonialism, the Stolen Generations, and resilience.
Through this exploration, students gain insight into how First Nations musicans and songwriters continue to practice and revitalise their cultures, and how historical and contemporary events have shaped them and the stories they share. They also learn about the significant contributions of First Nations Australians to Australian identity and how these contributions are acknowledged locally, nationally, and globally.
Curriculum Links
Curriculum Links
The Arts Curriculum V9.0
- AC9AMU8E01: Listen to and evaluate how elements of music are manipulated by composers to draw attention to social issues or values — for example, protest songs, nationalistic music, or songs exploring identity and belonging.
- AC9ADR8E02: Investigate the diversity of drama created and/or performed by First Nations Australians, considering culturally responsive approaches to Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) rights.
English V9.0
- AC9E10LE06: Compare the “voice” of protest in a range of poems or songs and evaluate how different voices evoke a response.
- AC9LIT10U03: Examine the language of specific texts (e.g. protest songs, graffiti) to identify how language is used for social commentary.
Senior Syllabuses
The Arts General Subjects
Specific Senior Curriculum Links
- Music: Unit 2 – Identities
- Drama: Unit 1 -Stories and Unit 3 -Challenge
Cross-Curriculum Priority: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
- English: Students explore Aboriginal cultural knowledge, traditions, and experiences as represented and communicated through traditional, modern, and contemporary texts.
- The Arts: Students learn about the distinctiveness and diversity of First Nations Australians’ cultural practices and artistic expressions, which represent unique ways of being, knowing, thinking, and doing. They examine how First Nations artists use materials, forms, and technologies in innovative ways to celebrate culture, challenge perspectives, and communicate ideas.
Learning Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Students can identify
- identify themes and purposes in protest songs
- discuss how musical choices strengthen meaning
- articulate an issue or idea they care about
- begin planning lyrics and musical style for a protest song (if desired).
Learning Resources
Artists and Facilitators
Jungaji
Singer Songwriter | Visual Artist | Cultural Storyteller
Jungaji is a Gu Gu Yalanji songman, visual artist, and playwright whose work bridges ancient culture and contemporary expression. A proud First Nations Australian, he channels ancestral memory into soul infused songs and striking visual artworks grounded in story, spirit, and survival.
His debut album Betting On Blak (June 2025) debuted at No.1 on the AIR 100% Independent Albums Chart, making him the second First Nations artist to do so after Gurrumul. The album also charted across multiple ARIA categories, including No.2 on the Australian Hip Hop/R&B Chart and No.6 in Vinyl.
MJ Hunter
Music Director | Producer
MJ is a singer songwriter and creative leader based on the Gold Coast in Queensland. With decades of experience across performance, live events and artist development, MJ is committed to stengthening BIPOC and First Nations visibility in the arts as well as nurturing artists through every stage of their creative strategy and storytelling to bring pasion and purpose to every project.
The goal is to challenge norms and inspire change for future generations, ensuring her legacy will continue to be a voice for change.
Taitu’uga Kitchener Wesche
Music | Performer | Songwriter
With over 20 years of experience as a musician, performer, and songwriter, Taitu’uga has showcased his talents across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Canada, building an international presence. As a recognised beatboxer, he collaborates with world-class DJs, guest MCs, and host writers, captivating audiences globally with his art.
In addition to his cultural leadership and community work, he has received recognition for his contributions to the arts, including performances at TEDx Brisbane, prestigious theatres, and renowned festivals such as “Yonda Festivals Like We Meet Under” and sold out theatre show at Metro Arts. He won the 2024 World Music Award.
Mayella Dewis-Koroi
Creative Producer | Musician
Mayella Dewis‑Koroi is a proud First Nations Creative Producer with heritage from Boigu, Mer, and St Pauls Islands, and Wuthathi Country (Shelburne Bay).
She currently leads Community and First Nations engagement at Brisbane Festival and has held producing roles with ILBIJERRI Theatre Company and APAM.
A musician and cultural producer, Mayella specialises in delivering artist‑driven, culturally safe performance projects that elevate Indigenous voices across Australia and the Torres Strait.
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