Say Our Name — Australian South Sea Islanders | HASS Years 3–4

Calling a person or group of people by their correct name shows you recognise and respect them. It can also be a way to honour or remember someone — think about when you or your team win an award, and your name is read aloud at assembly!

The opening of Say Our Name at Queensland Museum Kurilpa in August 2024 marks 30 years since the Australian Commonwealth Government recognised Australian South Sea Islander (ASSI) peoples as a disadvantaged group with their own history, culture and identity. Six years later, the Queensland Government formally recognised the contributions and achievements of ASSIs in a Recognition Statement. As a result, a whole generation has grown up being able to say with confidence who they are and where they come from.

But do you know who Australian South Sea Islanders are?

Curriculum Links
 This resource is aligned with Australian Curriculum HASS, Years 3–4

Learning objectives

• pose questions to investigate ASSI people, events, places and issues, analysing information collected from interviews with different people
• investigate how and why life has changed for Australian South Sea Islanders (ASSIs)
• examine information to identify different points of view
• examine the symbolism found in the design of the ASSI flag
• discuss the historical origins of ASSI recognition week
• argue a point of view on a civics and citizenship issue, making use of persuasive language to gain
  the support of others.

Success Criteria

•  document key information during a visit to the Say Our Name exhibition
• sequence information about the lives and events of ASSIs, including key changes to policy in
  Australia
• reflect on how they fit into their social and cultural environments
• create representations of personal cultural identities using symbols and emblems
• help plan a celebratory event that informs or educates attendees.