On‑demand recording (captured live, June 2026)
Shifting Ground x National Portrait Gallery
This on‑demand recording is a capture of a live 45‑minute online session delivered in June 2026, inviting Year 3–6 students to explore the NAIDOC theme 50 Years of Deadly.
The session recognises 50 years of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, activism, cultural resilience and community‑driven storytelling, honouring the Elders, advocates and changemakers who have shaped the NAIDOC movement and continue to influence Australia today.
Developed with First Nations‑led education consultancy Shifting Ground, this recording retains the structure and interactivity of the original live delivery. Students are guided through a curated selection of portraits that showcase the strength, creativity, determination and deadly excellence of First Nations people over the past five decades, with a focus on community leadership.
Throughout the recording, students will:
- engage in guided discussion and visual analysis
- respond to age‑appropriate critical and creative thinking prompts
- complete simple, hands‑on drawing and reflection activities
These learning experiences encourage exploration of identity, truth‑telling, intergenerational leadership, cultural continuity and the importance of community in shaping Australia’s story.
The recording supports understanding of the achievements and resilience of First Nations peoples, while encouraging students to think about their role in shaping the next 50 years of our shared future.
About Shifting Ground
Shifting Ground is a First Nations‑owned and led education consultancy that works with teachers and schools to deepen understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and ways of knowing. Their work supports culturally safe, respectful learning grounded in community and honours First Nations knowledge and storytelling.
Curriculum connections
Learning area:
- The Arts – Visual Arts
General capabilities:
- Creative and Critical Thinking
- Intercultural Understanding
- Personal and Social Capability
Cross‑curriculum priority:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures
Materials
Students will need:
- paper A4-A3
- pencils/textas
