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One of the things that impressed me most about the Aboriginal culture of Victoria was their long-standing cultural traditions and mysterious artistic features: the Uluru monoliths, bright red as blood at sunset, the eagle-eyed god Wangina, the mischief-loving elves, the Mimi characters and the Uluru Uluru characters, the unique X-ray paintings, the magical tomb pillars and wooden carvings ...... all of which cast a mysterious light on it.

Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL) identifies 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. Many of the 38 languages are further divided according to clan groups and their traditional lands, while the 11 language families are grouped according to shared words, grammar and sounds.

In teaching, I believe that the government could, for example, introduce a bilingual education project that would make Aboriginal culture or Aboriginal languages a separate subject and better support all schools and school staff to be more sensitive and empathetic to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and to incorporate an Aboriginal perspective into their work.

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Aboriginal people are an impartible part of Australia, and they are also live and walk in this land. People need to see them and listening to their stories, and know their culture.
After the visual tour of the first people exhibition, I found many talented artworks representing their history, culture, and spirit, which impressed me most. Besides, I knew it contains 38 languages divided based on the clan group and 11 language families in Victoria. It sounds different and has distinguishing grammar.
As an educator, we should respect each unique language instead of judging the pronunciation of any of them. As the VEDLYF framework states, Educators should respect cultural diversity and treat children from other cultural backgrounds equally since many children have different languages, traditions, and daily habits,  just like Aboriginal children.
Besides, early childhood professionals should collect educational and enjoyable language learning resources from indigenous languages to support children's language and literacy learning and strengthen their cultural awareness. Don't forget to study the contents of indigenous languages and learn some simple, impressive words or sentences before teaching, which is the valuable learning attitude educator could convey to the children since actions speakers louder than words.

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Roxanne Yi Tung Lee

1. One thing that struck me about Aboriginal culture in Victoria is the number of Aboriginal languages. They are so different and hard to distinguish. It is kind of complicated that there are few languages spoken in the same family language.

2. There are 38 Aboriginal languages and 11 family languages in Victoria, while they are linked to their specific land.

3. ECE educators have to respect and embrace diversity and encourage children to learn their home language. They should also embed Aboriginal cultures in education so as to develop a diverse learning environment.

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1. After viewing the First People Exhibition's virtual tour, I am surprised that indigenous people have been practicing sustainability for ever and a day. They never take more than they need and allow them to grow. They also practice sustainability through their totem system: they will not eat the animal representing their totem.

2. There are 38 aboriginal languages in Victoria. (44 in one of the recordings in the "River of Languages") The language of one group can be completely different to another group. For example, Bunjil the eagle is called "Wiripil" in another indigenous group.

3. Understand, respect and explore aboriginal languages' diversity and introduce the diverse aboriginal languages and cultures to children.

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1. One thing that struck me is the hardness of Aboriginal people preserve their culture and languages. For example, there are only 47 thousand of Aboriginal people in VIC, but there are 38 languages in VIC and these languages are so hard according to Indigenous languages that exist in Victoria page.
2. There are 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. Many of the 38 languages are further divided according to clan groups and their traditional lands, the 11 language families are grouped according to shared words, grammar and sounds.
3. We should respect their language and encourage Aboriginal children embrace their culture that to learn their languages. This will help them build connection to their culture and find belongings.

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1. The thing that struck me was how hard First People of Australia have to work to ensure that the knowledge and language of each language group doesn't fade away. It's through the sharing and telling and re-telling of these stories that their voices are not silenced and the languages live on. The way each language is connected in some way to the dream time stories is so fascinating too and it's incredible to see such profound work being done by connecting to the history of the land. The tracing back to the links between each language group situated in Victoria would have required such persistence of passing on those oral traditions from generation to generation.
2. In the River of Languages recording I heard that there are 44, but I think it was written that there are 38 languages, with 11 family languages.There are many similarities and many differences between these languages, but each connecting to a specific place on country.
3. In terms of language and literacy, I think this can broaden a child's perspective of the nature of language, as an entity that needs to be practiced for it to survive. Having an understanding of the traditional owners of the land on which a child is, is also crucial to acknowledge the history and the languages that live on, despite continued systemic silencing. So I guess understanding the power of language is something to be considered! Overall though, I think that being aware of how important diversity is opens the door for a multitude of knowledges to be explored and will instill respect and value for diversity within children. There is no one truth- there are so many!!

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one thing that strucks me is the deep connection between Aboriginal arts and nature, animals and their identity. Art works such as Bunjil, Camel, and Mewurk are all animal shaped creation that are unique to their location. For example, Camel is created using Mulga wood that are commonly found in Western Australia. The piece of Art/Toy not only shows me fitures of an animal, but more of the story, history and culture behind it.

Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Language identifies 38 unique languages which can be grouped into 11 language families. one thing i have noticed is that language that are grouped in the same language family have similar sounds and pronunciation, for example Brabralung and Braiakaulung are both part of the Gunaikurnai langauge family, thus sharing similar words “bra” and “lung”.

As an ECE educator, it is important for us to recognise the importance of nature, land and culture in Aborinal language literacy, therefore using practices such as singing Aboriginal songs, putting Aborinal art works around classroom, telling Aboriginal childern’s story. It is essential to develop strategies better intergrate Aboriginal knowledge and culture in our daily teaching practices.

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I haven't got the chance to have a visit in the museum because I'm currently outside of Australia, but the visual tour on the website is very helpful for me.
1. One thing that struck me about Aboriginal culture in Victoria is to distinguish the different types of Aboriginal langauges. There are too many types of them and is hard to distinguish.
2. There are 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. I noticed that each of them are different but also has a little similarities, as "many of the 38 languages are further divided according to clan groups and their traditional lands".
3. For the ECE field, we should respect the aboriginal languages that children may speak, and introduce the culture difference to children, for them to accept and respect the culture difference.

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1. After visiting the museum exhibit, one thing that struck me about Aboriginal culture, specifically in Victoria, is the way in which they have always looked after the land. They prioritise sustainability, only taking what you need and also the use of resources, including animals (possum skin).

2. The map developed by VACL identifies 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. The ‘language families’ are formed by shared words, grammar and sounds, which is interesting.

3. The implications for EC educators in language and literacy learning are to respect and embrace the ‘home’ languages of the students from diverse backgrounds. It is important to make connections with the Aboriginal elders in your community and seek their knowledge and teachings to incorporate Aboriginal culture into your practices. To learn from elders about respecting Country and bringing it into your classroom.

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1. The main thing that stuck out to me was the notion of respect and love for the land in which they live, as far back as 'the beginning of time' which is mention in one of the exhibits. To think about how connected Aboriginal culture is to nature, is an inspiring, and theoretically simple, way to live our own lives. The knowledge they gained over time has helped them develop an incredible connectedness to the grounds in which they stand and the environments they are a part of.

2. There are 38 Aboriginal languages, and 11 language families. The words of the languages have been spelt differently over time and changed around allowing for multiple interpretations and ease of writing/spelling. There seems to be a great acceptance between people, and speakers of each different language. The languages spoken are said to be the defining titles to each people. They talk about the languages being a link to the 'Mob, in which you are a part of.

3.  ..."Not  just to listen with our ears, but to listen to our head."
- I found this quote very important, as it sums up what i believe to be the key to the way in which learning/teaching is practiced within Aboriginal culture. The idea of spirituality within the culture seems to play a huge role in defining teaching/learning.
The implication for us is accepting diversity of cultural differences, but perhaps most importantly realising that everyone is different, yet we are still one. Furthermore, accepting, incorporating, nurturing our own environment is a vital part of life.

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1. The one thing that struck me about Aboriginal culture is their connection with the land and their emphasis on sustainability. Something that I think we can learn a lot from
2. There are 38 different Aboriginal languages in Victoria all of which vary.
3. Aboriginal culture can be linked in a way with the '100 languages of children' we can easily implement stratgies into everday activities to promote awareness and embrace our diversity with Aboriginal culture.

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1. Knowledge is something that was valued and passed on. It is mentioned a lot. The people who helped put this exhibit together chose a name meaning knowledge to refer to themselves 2. There are common words and sounds. 3. We can try to incorporate some of the language of the Aboriginal communities in our lessons. It will give students a greater appreciation of the indigenous population and help them make connections with where they live.

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1. From my perspective, 'our shared history' is the most stunning part of the virtual exhibition. Although I can't read through all the details description via google map, I am still struck with awe when viewing all those works bearing the pain, sorrow, and resilience of history. Especially when passing through a narrow alley guarded by colonial soldiers (I guess), it feels like I am one of the colonized people, which is an exquisite exhibition arrangement.

2. (I do not possess any prior knowledge of linguistics, so I have no idea how to make a commend for their language.) However, I admire this meaningful concept of 'speaking out loud our languages'. Because this is not just a simple action, it shows that indigenous people have their voice and language, and everyone should acknowledge and respect that.

3. I have gradually got the idea of why every lecture starts from 'acknowledgement of country'. It's quite simple but also complicated (wow, please bear my limited English ability). We are not entitled to anything so we supposed to stay grateful and also pay our respect to indigenous communities, which should be highlighted in our teaching and learning process.

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1. Aboriginal culture is heavily focused on respect for their ancestors, they take enormous pride on maintaining the land on which they hunt and live by actively incorporating sustainable practices.

2. Victoria has 38 main Aboriginal languages and 11 language groups. Some languages are vastly different to another. I noticed that the pronunciation of the language names have a rhythmic quality, with distinct short sounds.

3. As ECE educators we can look towards Aboriginal cultures as a means to teach children about the value of respecting those who occupied this land before us. We can also impart knowledge of diversity and challenge assumptions about language and literacy, for example; the many languages and dialects in the world that are sometimes categorised under the one umbrella.

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1. There is such a strong sense of celebration and connection to the land. In particular the respect of elders and passing on stories and knowledge. The Boorun's canoe stood out to me as a oral tradition. It was so important for the grandfather to learn from his family ad community. Then transferring his knowledge to his family was such a powerful and important aspect of culture.
2. Each language is unique but still inter connected. The sounds and ways words are written may differ, but the stories, the morals and ethics they teach, the creation stories they represent is that connecting factor.
3. To be able to understand and appreciate different cultures. Recognising the depth of knowledge that children and their families have. To be open and responsive to other perspectives and points of view.

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After Experience the First People’s Website, actually. It’s my first time to acknowledge the Aboriginal culture in Victoria.  1.One thing that struck me is the cultural connection and diversity roots in  Victoria, and the aboriginal language are diverse from different voices. Which are still existing and being protected in some regions.
2. As for the language,  It reflects some history about Victoria, witness the colonialism and tragedy.
3.It reminds me as an educator for several things.First, Show respect for the equity and diversity. Second, we should engage with family and the community to establish the bond between us.
—Jasmine Jiang

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1. It is so interesting that the Aboriginal culture is largely focused on the connection between land, famlies and communitites.

2. In Victoria the number of Aboriginal languages is 38 and 11 language families. The languages are different but similar to one another. This shows that all the aboriginal languages are connected and shows the concepts of connection, resilience, family and culture.

3. It really shows us the general practice principles that us educators need to embody i.e. respecting, embracing and understanding. It is also important for us to follow these principles in the classroom but also when we are using aboriginal stories or songs for language and literacy development.

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1. One thing that struck me about Aboriginal culture is their indigenous community. One of their exhibition highlights is the deep listening. The deep listening invites people between the ages of 8 and 72 talk about their culture, their identity. The idea of including children and elderly in the same exhibition really struck me!

2. There are a lot of Aboriginal languages than I thought! I did not know there are 38 Aboriginal languages and 11 language families. Each Aboriginal language is connected to a specific place in country and this remind me Chinese dialect. People from different part of china also have their own dialect.

3. The implications in the language and literacy learning in EC are to teach children to embrace the diversity of different languages and value the Aboriginal history and culture.

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1. One thing that struck me about Aboriginal culture in Victoria is Victorian language map (diverse cultures). This language map presents the diversity of Aboriginal culture in Victoria and our connection to Country. Each language is deeply rooted to that land. The voice you hear on the map represent different language groups - groups of the families or clans that speak that language.

2. VACL identifies 38 languages in Victoria. These languages are all part of larger language families, such as eastern Kulin, western Kulin, Gunditjmara or Gunaikurnai. There are 11 language families in Victoria and those families speak a common language, more similar than dissimilar.

3. Australian Aboriginal children, in general, lag behind their mainstream peers in measures of literacy. Poor health and historically negative socio-political factors, cultural and dialectal differences impact Aboriginal children’s early language and literacy development. Educator–child interactions allow children an opportunity to extend their oral language skills, which are essential precursors to literacy development.

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1. one thing that i have been struck by what i observed about the aboriginal culture when visiting the First People Exhibition is that surprisingly, there are many different types of languages even within the aboriginal communities as demonstrated in the language map (initially, i thought they may come from different communities but they may have shared the same languages).  The essential of linguistic diversity highlights the strong sense of belonging aboriginal people may have to their own communities or to the land as a whole. Another thing is impressive is that i feel that the artistic pattern of works such as sculptures, paintings and drawing the indigenous people created is the way they view their relationships between the nature and themselves and with their creatures (animals like lizards). This can be understood as part of the important way ancient residents of the land may identity themselves.
2. 38 aboriginal languages and 11 family languages over Victoria. The language systems are mostly stress intonations particularly when they are exposed to be part of the musical rhythms.
3. The implication for early childhood teaching is that as an educator, there is always fundamental respect to different cultures and beliefs that children or students are associated with. Strategy and plan of teaching need to ensure we show as much understandings as possible towards the diversity in our community and work inclusively with individuals in a great sense of "standing in other people's shoe to think".

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1. The social structure of their village are so different as what we are having now.  They would take care of each other's child and using storying telling to teach. They didn't really go to school, because they study in the community.
2. Each land has their own language, and same word in different land has different pronunciation. It is really important to keep our own language. Using the same language is easy to communicate from different background, but the language is also part of the culture. Aboriginal language also uses lot of symbol to explain or mark thing. For me, it is also the old word writing. Because the literary can be express by different ways.
3. As an ECE educator, we should understanding and respect that there are so many languages in the world, there is all equal and as same as important of each language.

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1. It stuck me that their are so many different Aboriginals languages just in Victoria

2. There are 38 Aboriginal languages

3. As educators we need to respect not just Aboriginal culture but also the diversity within Aboriginal culture

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One thing about Aboriginal culture in Victoria is the extraordinary handmake artworks.

There are 38 languages and 11 languages families, and the 38 languages can further divided in to clan groups. Although there are multiply languages but between languages there are correlated with each other.

As educators we have to appreciate and respect Aboriginal culture. The way to do it is through research and hold open conversation with the families.

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I physically visited the museum i was impressed by their vision of sustainability(you only take what you need) this links me to another article form course Education Foundation, saying that current educational policy reform should embed sustainability in  ECEC.

2. 38 languages, and 11 families' language

3.support aboriginal children to maintain their first language

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One thing that struck me about Aboriginal culture in Victoria is how the Indigenous people are deeply and spiritually connected with nature and their ancestors, utilising the tools that nature provides to extend their cultural knowledge while also giving back to the land that they are on.

I noticed that, despite words from each language sounding different, the languages in some way link with each other. The values, beliefs, stories, life lessons and experiences communicates to groups are similar.

An implication might be to encourage learning and exploration of different cultures, while also acknowledging that languages are associated with gaining pools of knowledge.

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1. One thing stroke me about this exhibition is the range of natural materials Aboriginal people interweave into their craftsmanship and artistic pracitce. The strong attachment to land, animals and nature shown through these art works suggest the unity between nature and human in Aboriginal persepctives, as well as the deep history that is embeded within.

2. In Victorian Aboriginal Cooperation for  Languages (VACL), there are 38 Aborignal languages, 11 family groups in the state of Victoria, each family group is connected with a local place.

3. In terms of ECE education, the importance of art works, or art literacy is inseperable from Aboriginal perspective, in relation to spirituality, religion and langauge. In ECE, teachers could invite children to explore these artistic practices to connect with Aboriginal culture and history. And this engage with multiple cultures will assit young children to critically think about the dominant discourse.

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1. I was amazed by the aboriginal artworks in the virtual museum. I found that the hue of most drawings are brown and orange, and I think this firstly represents the aboriginals' love to their land, and secondly showcases the interconnection between nature and human. I also noticed the rich and contrasting colors on the painting. I think this shows people's passion, energy and optimism.
2. Before my studies in Australia, I didn't realize that there are so many languages and adverse aboriginal cultures in this mysterious land. For me, those languages are hard to understand, as they are somehow a bit of vague. I don't know if they all  can be written down.
3. Educators need to explore and understand more about aboriginal cultures so that they can understand local people, teach correctly, and engage in the local community.

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1. One thing that struck me about was that they are really trying hard to maintain and protect their culture in a way that they are strongly connected with the families and the nature.

2. There are 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. Despite the language differences, they share the same value - to maintain their culture.

3. As ECE educators, I am aware that we should show respect and help students understand different cultures, no matter where they come from. Not only Aboriginal but also any cultures and backgrounds of the children. Then we can help sustain and protect each community, as well as embracing each other as a global citizen.

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1. One thing that struck me is how the 38 Aboriginal languages in Victoria are divided according to clan groups and their traditional lands. When I read this, I wondered if there were dialects within a language.

2. There are 38 Aboriginal languages and 11 language families in Victoria. Aside from what I noticed as written above, I also noticed that the 11 language families are grouped according to shared words, grammar and sounds. I wonder if this could have any positive implications for trying to keep these languages 'alive'.

3. As ECE educators we need to understand, respect and show an awareness of Aboriginal languages. We should put in practice an acknowledgement of these languages through measures such as welcome to country and learning songs and some words of the local Aboriginal language which can then be shared among the children.

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1. I went in person on Wednesday with a group of students. What struck me the most was the attention to intricate aspects of Victorian Indigenous culture. Covering multiple traditions, stories, visions, even toys, jewellery and tools used. The multiple examples of possum skin was also phenomenal to see.

2. 38 languages, they even had a board map of Victoria that named the indigenous areas in their own languages that you could press and hear the pronunciation. The impressive part is that despite differences in language different groups did interact and understand each other.

3. We have to firstly respect indigenous language/traditions, acknowledge their differences and express the beauty and knowledge we can find in diversity. It enables us as educators to find more ways for children to be able to understand their world and land as well as to have respect for all people from all backgrounds, starting with those at home on our own indigenous lands.

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1. I have been interested to read about the ways that the Victorian Aboriginal community is working hard to revive , regenerate and sustain their multiple languages.  There are many projects ongoing to commit stories to print for descendants to be able to learn the language of their ancestors. These books are being made available to the descendants first - some of whom are learning it for the first time themselves. These oral languages have such a long history and their preservation for the future is important work. There are projects too that are making the words visible for others, not just in books but also on play toys for young children to explore and items such as water bottles. There are now many different ways to learn about these languages.
2. Yes, there are 38 different  languages but I was interested to learn about the 11 languages of Victoria and in particular those of the Kulin Nation and those who lived along the river and discover how there were more similarities between their languages than differences. And to discover all the different ways of saying 'No'! Also lovely to hear all the different pronunciations of the names of the languages. For me, hearing language is always a richer experience than reading it.
3. As a starting point as educators we should establish the correct language for the community we serve and find the appropriate resources and advice to give ourselves that confidence first to use it. Once we are trying to introduce new language into our classrooms we could start by blending it with the familiar. For example within songs: like the Head, Shoulders, knees and toes song that was in one of the videos and introduce the names of the body parts in the new language.

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1. The focus on environmentally sustainable practices The practices that have been created between groups such as each group having a totem that they don't eat reflects not only how deeply they care and respect the resources but also one another as it ensures that one group isn't stripping the land of all the available food sources.
2.With 38 different language which can also be divided further. Language is more than just a way of communicating it is a form of identity it helps informs others of where you are from and pass down specific history.
3. It is imperative that ESE take the time to educate themselves about Indigenous Languages and be open minded to always being ready to further this education. By having this state of mind we may be able to assist even in a small way to VACL's goal to help revive Indigenous Languages by encouraging children and their families to speak their home languages and teach others about them.

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1. The knowledge, stories, culture, objects and images provided by Yulendj Group of the First peoples are attracted me a lot.
2. According to the VACL map, Victoria has 38 Aboriginal languages and 11 language families.
3. It's meaningful for ECE educators in the language and literacy learning tp create a welcoming and inclusive environment for children to get every culture involved and respected, including their first languages.

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1.One thing that strucks me is the emphasis on the connection to the land in every matter, even language-wise. In the interview, Paul Paton explains that each language relates to the land where it is speaking in the sense that the singularity of the language is formed on that land.
2- There are 38 Aboriginal languages and 11 family languages in Victora and they are linked to their specific land. I noticed that they reflect a strong sense of identity and their disappearance witnesses  Australian colonialism and loss of Aboriginal culture.
3- The crucial role of storytelling has many implications in language and literacy learning.

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1. After the virtual tour, it is observable that the large number of aboriginal presents the diversity within the aboriginal cultural development. In the mean time, their education is based on cultural heritage, which passed by each generation.
2. There are 38 aboriginal languages, and 11 language families.
3. The implication for ECE educators shall be increasing our acceptance on multi-language, and respect every culture involved in the academic atmosphere, the mother tongue that each child used and formulate a equal environment which every children would feel okay for monolingual, bilingual or multilingual.

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1. One thing that stuck me about Aboriginal culture in Victoria is they care for the land and carry its story with them today.

2. VACL identified 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. Many of the 38 languages are further divided according to clan groups and their traditional lands, while the 11 language families are grouped according to shared words, grammar and sounds.
I noticed their languages are deeply into the roots of their land. Their languages offers opportunities for us to connect their diversity of cultural heritage of the land and connection to Country.

3. As an ECE educator, I proudly acknowledge Victoria's First Nations people and how they respect the elders. Learning Aboriginal language is going to be a new study for me as well as the children. It will help me connecting with Aboriginal people, listen to their stories, get to know their culture to make connections and reconnections.

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1) the first and foremost thing that I achieved during the visual tour is that the Aboriginal people have been appreciating and treasuring their culture, language, and ways of living for so many years, which is quite precious for themselves as well as the whole Australia or even the world. Although then experienced tough times, they never give up and fight for their future. Maybe it is this spirit that leads them achieve what they still have right now.
2) There are 5 general categories with 39 kinds of Aboriginal languages in Victoria. One of them is called Baraba Baraba, whose pronounciation is so cute : )
3) According to the contents and messages of the Aboriginal languages, we could acquire knowledge and absorb information as ECE students since different languages are different ways of thinking which contain distinct culture backgrounds. By exposing to those knowledge, we could be encouraged to involve in the Australian background much better.

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1. One of the things that struck me about Aboriginal culture in Victoria is how deep their connection is to the nature and their ancestors. I was amazed by the beautiful and unique artworks that record the culture and history of the Indigenous people.

2. There are 38 Aboriginal languages that are grouped together according to their clan groups and traditional lands and 11 language families in Victoria that are divided based on their shared words, grammar and sounds.

3. ECE educators should learn to respect and be more sensitive with the difference in cultures as well as encourage children to embrace their uniqueness and home languages.

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1.The shields. What struck me was the artwork on the shields. Each one is very unique, I wonder if the handmade artwork conveys any meaning/story.

2. 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. Hearing the Koorie people speaking their own languages, what struck me was how different the languages sound across different parts of Victoria. However, in areas that were close to each other, some of the languages sounded similar

3. As ECE Educators, we need to first learn about Aboriginal culture and to be aware of the history here in Australia. Additionally, we need to be aware of the current injustices present in Australia. We need to respect the Aboriginal culture and their languages. Unfortunately, many Aboriginal languages have been lost over the generations. As educators, we could invite elders to the classroom to introduce a language to the children.

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1. There are so many Aboriginal languages, and they are so diverse and so different. However, I am also aware that Aboriginal languages are slowly disappearing, and that passing down the knowledge is increasingly difficult. I really admire the culture that language can transmit, and how all these languages join together to create Aboriginal identities.
2. In Victoria itself there's already 38 Aboriginal languages and 11 languages families! That's a lot!

3. the importance of language cannot be undermined! Language builds identity, it allows one to relate to their community, facilitate communication, and connects them to land. To Aboriginal people who really emphasise on kinship and community, language retention is really important
4. As an early childhood educator, we might wonder...do we really have to understand Aboriginal culture and teach them to children who may not be part of this community? Yes! It is very important that we spread awareness and appreciation about this, so that equity and access can be realised, and the journey for the retention of Aboriginal languages would be less challenging

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1. When I visited the Bunjilaka museum in person, I was impressed by the fruitful knowledge of Aboriginal people's knowing and being, such as how they value the connection to the world, their respect to the nature and creatures which is valuable for us to learn. Furthermore, I appreciate the work that Yulendj group of elders across Victoria contribute to the community and try to keep First Peoples' knowledge to the next generation.
2. VACL identifies 38 Aboriginal  languages in Victoria. Some of the languages are shared from same language families. Also, I saw the message sticks that aboriginal people used to communicate with each other through the symbols marked on the sticks.
3. For ECE educators, it is important for us to know about the local Aboriginal community and each of them may use different language. We should consult local Aboriginal members and involve them in program to share the stories, symbolic meanings and language that are significant on the country where we connect to.

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1. One thing that struck me about Aboriginal culture in Victoria is the vast amount of knowledge they possess about the land they live on. We all stand upon the same land but what we know and see differ so much in comparison. They know the land, they know the seasons and they know the environment. They live with the world.

2. According to the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL), there are said to be 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. The 38 languages can then be divided further according to clan groups and their traditional lands. The 11 language families are grouped based on shared words, grammar and sounds. It's similar to how many languages we speak now were developed from common historic ancestors.

3. It is crucial for us to consider the different ways in which we can help children develop their language and literacy learning. Through this experience, it is obvious that there is so much that we can learn and take away from other cultures. As educators, we should strive to introduce and incorporate new perspectives so as to expose children to the diverse nature of the world.

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1. One thing hat struck you about Aboriginal culture in Victoria is how they know the land and nature so well and how they have deep connect with it. They have different utilising tools.
2. There are 38 languages and 11 family groups, each language is different.
3.Educators need to have more background understanding about aboriginal culture. It helps educators understand children's behaviour more correct and lead to more engagement with their community.

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1. After taking the virtual tour, I'm surprised by the indigenous cultures and arts. There are plenty of handmade artworks, which can show me their history and story.
2. There are 38 Aboriginal languages and 11 family languages .In spite of uniqueness, they are still have a close connection.
3. As an educator, I think we should respect different cultures and values in the diverse society. Besides that, we also need to involve children's family and community who from different cultural backgrounds, which could help our students to have a sense of security and good for their study.

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The photos and exhibits presented in the First Peoples are really eye-catching, as they tell the story of how Aboriginal people lived in the past. It shows how the Victoria has been changing and how the past shapes the current Victoria.

2. 38 languages and 11language families. There are some shared words and sounds are inter-connected within 11language families.

3. As an educator in this diversified community, I think we should always aware differences between people and value those differences. Being respect to any cultures is essential for us to understand the world. I think we should also educate our next generation to respect and value the past, present and the future as well

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1. The story of Bunjil and Waa. They are the ancestor and protector of aboriginal people. Through collocation, Bunjil creates mountains, rivers, creatures for human life. Bunjil and Waa also brought fire for people to convenient their lives.
2. There are 38 aboriginal languages are used in Victoria. Many of the 38 languages are further divided based on clan groups and their traditional lands, while the 11 language families are grouped according to shared words, grammar, and sounds.
3.As ab educator, it is essential to respect each unique family. Embedding aboriginal culture in ECE would create a welcoming and inclusive environment for both aboriginal parents and children. Bringing aboriginal curricula into kindergartens allows children to learn some aboriginal words and knowledge, which protect this culture.

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1. There is so much to explore in the Aboriginal culture. So much creativity and care goes into their artwork which is seen in various places (on weapons, garments, etc). I was struck by the vivid colours and the detail in their work. They appear to live a very sustainable way, ensuring that nothing is wasted ( an example of this is the way they have a use every part of a possum, not just the skin.
2. I am very surprised at the number os different Aboriginal language that are found in Victoria and within such close proximity of each other. In some ways, they sound incredibly similar to each other but there are also definite differences but I cannot clearly define what I am hearing.
3. As ECE educators it will be important that we form partnerships with families to incorporate elements of the Aboriginal culture in our settings so that all children and families can be exposed to the diversity within the community. It will be important to promote respect between cultures and this can be done by embedding cultural elements within the curriculum for all children and their familes to experience.

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1.One thing really struck me is that the Mewurk or Goodoo that they made. It looks like a fish, but it have been create by a lot of material, represents the decay of the River, which is really interesting for me.
2. It covered 38 languages, which is a huge language system. I believe the different languages lead to different culture and stories.
3. I will let children know and understand the Aboriginal culture, because it it one of the Australia culture, it also is the basic of it. Aboriginal culture is really valuable to learn and remember.

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1. I think Aboriginal culture in Victoria is very respectful of the land and animals. You can see this through their artwork as they use parts of nature as motifs. The canvas they use are also from nature.
2. 38 aboriginal languages are identified in Victoria which I think are divided by 11 language families.
3. Since Aboriginal literacies are heavily informed by multiliteracies (art, motifs, music, dance), I think it has a great advantage in that it will gain great interest in ECE
classrooms. ECE educators can introduce Aboriginal art while also teaching the symbolisms behind the art - forming a great language and literacy learning experience.

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1. The importance of how knowledge is sourced and preserved through storytelling from Elders and community members. The importance of family and community within Aboriginal cultures is so remarkable beyond other Eurocentric conceptions.
2. There are 38 languages and 11 language families. Listening to them you can hear similarities but they are still individual in their own right.
3. Embedding Aboriginal culture is imperative in our role as educators of language and literacy learning. Incorporating the knowledges and values such as, inviting community members to come and share knowledges/ stories. As well as ensuring Aboriginal language use within the classroom setting while acknowledging the diversity of Aboriginal languages.

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1. The bark painting. Actually there was an exhibition in the National Museum of China named "Old Masters: Australia's Great Bark Artists" in 2018. The bark paintings speak of a powerful attachment to the land and reveal the extraordinary precision, perception and imagination of the artists who made them.
2. There are 38 Aboriginal languages and 11 of them are grouped based on their shared words, grammar and sounds. It is interesting to find that the phonetic of the individual words contains many syllables, which is very different from English and Chinese.
3. As ECE educators, we need to first respect the Aboriginal language and culture, and then try to help preserve their cultural heritage, including tangible and intangible. Further, we could inform Aboriginal strategies to our current education since Aboriginal Cultural stories highlights the significance and sophistication of Aboriginal learning processes and provides and interface between these traditional processes and department policies and frameworks. Also, it has enriched the diversity of Australian society, provided a deep connection with ancient history, and gave different insights and rich stories for life in this Australia.

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1.The nearly 500 objects from different nations across Australia really struck me, as each of them showcases the diversity of their culture. Every item is the crystallization of the wisdom of indigenous peoples and tells us stories about their survival, lives，exploration of nature and creation of civilization.
2. 38 languages and 11 language families. I noticed that the distribution of the language are related to the geographic location to some extent. People in neighboring areas have similar tones and words, but people who are far  from each other use completely different languages .
3. As educators we need to show respect to no matter Aboriginal culture or any other diverse culture and create an inclusive environment for both families and communities to promote their inherit traditions and help children to establish their culture confidence .

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I have listened to the indigenous languages that exhibited on the website. These languages inspired me to link to the relationship between language and civilization. Even aboriginal culture is on the brink of apocalypse, the language is using by people, and if the younger generation are still learing their language, theri traditional culture will be exhibited at more places. Language is a cattier to bring culture to people. In China, we have 55 minority nations, some of them have larger group of people, they have their languages, literatures and art works, and some of them are well-known nationally and internationally. In contrast, some minority cultures have diappeared as they do not have much people and language to show their cultures.

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1.After taking the visual excursion to the exhibition of Bunjilaka, I am totally attracted by their handicrafts and artistic features such as the fabric and cannon, but I am particularly interested in the sculpture of Bunjil wing which symbolizes the creator of human and other species in aboriginal culture, and it represents the relationships with family and life partners.
2. VACL recognize 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria area. Some of these languages sound similar to each other.
3. For educators, we should remember to encourage children to use their home languages and respect their culture, it could help reserve languages which are endangers and support the identity of different communities.

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1. One thing that struck me after I have a virtual tour of the exhibition: there are so many artworks about the Aboriginal culture.
2. Victorian Aboriginal Corporate for Language (VACL) identifies 38 languages (according to clan groups and their traditional lands) and 11 language families (according to shared words, grammar and sounds) in Victoria.
3. As ECE educators, we need to respect the diversity of the language, and embed the Aboriginal culture (some must with permission of the aboriginal community) in our learning. Also create an inclusive and welcoming environment for families and children to participate in the learning of literacy and language.

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1.There is one thing surprises me that even so many years passed, the first people still have a community and they still stick to their belief.
2.There are 38 Aboriginal languages and 11 family languages in Victoria, while the 38 languages are further divided according to clan groups and their traditional lands, while the 11 language families are grouped according to shared words, grammar and sounds.
3. ECE educators should show respect to the Aboriginal culture and try our best to make integration with nowadays teaching.

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1. In the musuem, aboriginal culture is preserved by storytelling. The stories that are passed on through generations help people celebrate and embrace Aboriginal peoples and cultures and never forget the hardships and violence within the Aboriginal community.
2. There are 38 languages and 11 family languages. The diversity of languages remind me of chinese dialects that are spoken by people through a vast land just like aboriginal cultures in Australia.
3. We should appreciate, cherish and help children learn about the Aboriginal cultures.

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1. One thing that struck you about aboriginal culture in Victoria

- Some images or words, such as the images or references to deceased people, can be really offensive,

- The intense connection that they feel to the land and how it represents them is so interesting to me. Knowledge of the physical land that you come from and what it means for the family is so important to aboriginal culture.

2. Aboriginal languages in Victoria. What do you notice?

- I guess this is comparable to having different dialects in some countries (the languages can sound really different). Although, I’m surprised that within aboriginal languages, there are 11 groups to distinguish vocabulary, grammar, and sounds.

- The same word can have different meanings for different families

- Language is not always necessarily written down. A lot of it is passed down orally.

3. Implications on ECE in lang and lit

- “What does this mean for YOU” is an important question to ask. It won’t mean the same thing for everybody.

- It’s important not to clump people of Aboriginal backgrounds into one category. Everyone has their own unique experiences and values.

- One of the personal stories mentioned that the younger generation hasn’t been able to experience what the older generation has been through. It will be very powerful to have family members and community members come and share. It’s important for us to learn from members of that nation to show respect but also to not teach it incorrectly.

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1. One thing that struck me about Aboriginal culture in Victoria is the artworks and objects made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples which convey the Australian culture.

2. There are 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. Although the languages are different in different areas, the languages in neighboring areas sound similar.

3. As an ECE educator, I think we need to respect and treat these aboriginal cultures with tolerance. In the context of Australian education, we have the responsibility to pass on these aboriginal cultures and let children know about these treasures.

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1. The thing that stuck me most about Aboriginal culture is their stories and knowledge about their land that they share and pass on their descendants.
2. VACL identifies 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. There are quite a lot languages they speak only in Victoria, it may also implies and proves their strong connection to their land as the language people speak can be a part of one's identity and sense of belonging.
3. As ECE educators, I'd like to hear and learn about more stories of the Aboriginal culture, and try my best to explain those things I learn and know to children about the land they stand on.

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1. The Aboriginal culture seems so mysterious to me. The most astonishing thing is to see how people connect to the land and the effort they make to remain natural.
2. There are 38 distinct languages and 11 language families. What I have noticed about the languages is that many languages belong to larger language families, which share great similarities rather than dissimilarities.
3.
As ECE educators, we can expose the children to these 38 languages to deepen their understanding of diversities. Meanwhile, we can use the cultural stories in daily literature activities.

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1. What impressed me most was a video about Boorun's Canoe. One grandfather taught his grandchildren how to make a canoe out of tree bark. Because Genai Land has many rivers and lakes, canoes are a necessity for the Gunai people. The grandfather in the video hardly ever went to school. He just learned from the people around him or by doing. He passed on Aboriginal craft and knowledge by teaching his grandson how to make bark cones.

2. Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL) identifies 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. Many of the 38 languages are further divided according to clan groups and their traditional lands, while the 11 language families are grouped according to shared words, grammar and sounds.

3. Improve your children's language skills by practicing communication and dialogue with them, rather than letting them memorize syntax and grammar passively.

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1. One thing that struck me most is the way Aboriginal peoples get along with the nature. The scene that a man is covering his hands with ochre impressed me greatly. The sensory movement shows great connection with the nature and Aboriginal peoples showed great respect to the nature.

2. There are 38 Aboriginal languages and 11 family languages. The languages are in multiple ways, just only words but gestures, movements, sounds, which conveyed meanings as well. The multi-literacy of Aboriginal peoples is great asset of cultures. Noticing that some of the languages is dying is a pity. Reviving and reawakening their mother togue languages is urgent and significant.

3. One implication is that languages are in multiple forms, for Aboriginal cultures and for children as well. Recognizing and appreciating multi-literacies of children can contribute to childrens' learning and development. Another implication is that one way to involve community in ECE in Victoria is to incorporate Aboriginal languages in ECE, so that children can have the access to their culture and seek their unique identity in this community.

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1:What struck me the most is that the aboriginal worship of the primitive nature. The spirit is passed down through the aboriginal culture, these cultural carriers include paintings, stories, toys, etc.

2:There are 38 aboriginal languages in Victoria. The dialects of each region can be said to be irrelevant.

3:The inheritance of culture and language is the result of learning aboriginal culture. When learning other languages, we need to encourage children to retain the home language. To let children enjoy a diverse learning environment and respect other cultures and languages.

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1. I am really impressed by how the government and community strive to preserve separate Aboriginal Cultures and to raise indigenous awareness. Besides it is amazing that Aboriginal people's identities linking to specific lands could be dated back to more than 60000 years.

2. 38 languages according to clan groups and their traditional lands and 11 language families grouped by shared words, grammar and sounds were identified by VACL.

3. Educators should be culturally competent by embracing and encouraging children to learn and use their home language in order to show respect to their indigenous cultures, to build up connected and sincere relationships with children and families and to assure that pedagogy is delivered in response to the collective norms and beliefs of the children’s inhabitants.

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1, I am surprised with the richness of Aboriginal culture in Victoria.

2, There are 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. I notice Aboriginal languages are phonetic base languages with long syllables.

3, There are many resources and many perspect we can bring into our ECE learning. Depending on the children's age we can compare and reflect on different levels of relationships around us. There will be new words, new concepts and new language to learn throughout the exhibition.

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1. I am struck by the craftmanship of the Aboriginal culture. I used to think that only functional objects were made but today I learned that majority of the craft had symbolic purposes. Some were used on special occasions (Bathi mindjalpi) and others are sculptures of different animals (showing their respect and interest in nature).

2.  I noticed that there are 38 different languages and 11 family languages. It is interesting how each language are unique (although some may be similar) they are not regarded as dialects.

3. Educators should be respectful and mindful of the different cultures and languages. Educators should encourage children from different backgrounds to embrace their culture and other cultures as a way to connect to their own identity and to connect to their community.

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There are still people in Aboriginal community making these Possum skin clothes, so it's still a practice that's very much alive today, and very special to the community. The canoe towards the end that is actually 2010 - beautiful example of cultural continuity, and, that teaching and knowledge has been passing down over generations and is still very much alive till date.

There are 44 languages in Victoria alone shows just how diverse the culture.

The inclusion of aboriginal cultural in early childhood education is important since they teach about different aspects of life and culture; and Aboriginal history is Australian history and it is something we should all be very proud of and know about it! As early childhood educators, it is important to realise that learning about and valuing the place of First Peoples will enhance Victorian children’s sense of place in our community - the only way to revive, reclaim and relive the cultural diversity.

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1. In one of the videos I watched one of the participants said that you can't get it (knowledge) in a book, you have to go out there and do it and it has to taught by an elder.  I think this is what struck me most in this activity - the connection to experience and to community.  I think that also shows in the art and the artefacts in the exhibition.  Language is experienced rather than written on a page.

2. One of things I noticed most about the different Indigenous languages is that they all had a similar rhythm to them.  Though they are obviously all unique, the words share similar suffixes and repetitions.  A lot of the words also had alternate spellings which I think suggests the languages have historically been used for spoken communication rather than written.  Knowledge and stories are instead documented in the language of symbolic drawings.

3. I think the idea of drawing/mapping what we want to communicate is useful in early childhood literacy development.  I also think the syllabic rhythm of Indigneous language and structure of the words also lends itself to developing children's phonemic discrimination and phonological awareness.

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1. I'am surprised by the aboriginal arts and art crafts which all representing and expressing their culture and history
2.There are 38 Aboriginal languages and 11 family languages.  They are all unique but at the same time having  shared sound and words which interconnected with each other. It is just like having different dialects in China.
3. As educators, we really need to respect the culture and language diversity, involving different culture activity in our program to promote children's sense of belonging and well-being.

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1. I am really interested in the artwork and culture history in the virtual museum, beautiful wooden artwork, which convey the intelligence and creative from aboriginal people at that time.

2.  The VACL identifies 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. It is so cool that Aboriginal people create various languages to communicate and sharing messages, the values of language are inestimable.

3. As educators should firstly show respect, also help kids embrace diversity of language, meanwhile, for bilingual children, take care to maintain their language abilities also inspire them to talk more to establish their unique identities.

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1. One thing that struck me is how the Aboriginal people have such strong sense of identity and connection towards their land, nature, generations and language. Language to them not only represents their culture, but it also accumulates knowledge that passes down through generations while strengthening their ties between generations.

2. There are 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. I noticed that the diversity of language indicates the diversity of Aboriginal culture since a language is unique and deeply rooted to a particular land. As the language varies with the land, this reinforces even greater sense of identity and connection towards the land. Within Aboriginal languages, we can connect with their culture, history and land.

3. As early childhood educators, it is important for us to acknowledge the diversity of cultures in a classroom. Cultures represent students' identities and funds of knowledge. I think it's important to provide an learning environment where children can confidently share about their home cultures without being judged, but being respected and valued.

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1. I'm so impressed by those amazing artworks and handicrafts. Each of them is unique and gets great cultural deposit inside. It would be fantastic to know the story behind these arts- what's the context at that time, what;s meaning of each certain graphics and totems.
2. There are 38 languages and 11 language families. I could tell some similarities as well as some differences between these languages by listening to these Koorie people speaking their name. I think it might  have something related to the locations and it'd be interesting to learn some daily words from those languages.
3. As ECE educators, we should have some knowledge about those aboriginal cultures, which would be helpful for us to work with all different kinds of families. These cultures would also bring us a insight of respecting and cherishing the diversity.

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1. After visiting the Melbourne museum by person, the thing that struck me about Aboriginal culture is that their wisdom to use what they have and not waste anything, for example the use of possum skin.
2. There are 38 different languages and 11 languages families. Although there are this large number of different languages, there are both unique and correlated from each other.
3. As educators it is more than necessary to aware of the importance of Aboriginal culture and shown respect to all the culture and languages all the time. Only in this way we can lead children to explore, learning and develop.

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Yiran Mao                                   1. I’m really surprised that Victoria emphasis greatly on the Aboriginal culture. I studied in other states in Australia before and there was always the elements of Aboriginal culture/tradition involved to some extend. However, I discovered that state of Victoria has a very strong focus on it and always acknowledge the traditional ownership of the land. It is also always important to pay respect and value their contribution to their unique culture and tradition.2. According to the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL), there are 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. Those languages are divided based on different clan groups and their traditional lands. All the languages follow different pattern of pronunciation. They are all unique in a way. I thought under the same language family the language and pronunciation would share some similarity but they are actually very different. 3. I believe it is important to engage children in the Aboriginal culture learning process. As educators, learning and engaging in the Aboriginal culture and language can raise our awareness and respect the history. Therefore, we can better educate children and involve them to be able of the culture difference at an early age.  

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Yiran Mao                                   1. I’m really surprised that Victoria emphasis greatly on the Aboriginal culture. I studied in other states in Australia before and there was always the elements of Aboriginal culture/tradition involved to some extend. However, I discovered that state of Victoria has a very strong focus on it and always acknowledge the traditional ownership of the land. It is also always important to pay respect and value their contribution to their unique culture and tradition.2. According to the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL), there are 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. Those languages are divided based on different clan groups and their traditional lands. All the languages follow different pattern of pronunciation. They are all unique in a way. I thought under the same language family the language and pronunciation would share some similarity but they are actually very different. 3. I believe it is important to engage children in the Aboriginal culture learning process. As educators, learning and engaging in the Aboriginal culture and language can raise our awareness and respect the history. Therefore, we can better educate children and involve them to be able of the culture difference at an early age.  

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1. After visiting the virtual tour, I am surprised that so many evidences show the diversity culture and habits of aboriginal.

2. I think '38 aboriginal languages' in Victoria is a beautiful thing, which shows the development of language and local culture.

3. As an educator, we have responsibility to protect these culture and combine them in modern teaching system.

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- It is clear that the Aboriginal people have lots of structures in their system. There is a lot of respect and meaning in everything they undertake. They full acknowledge differences with no judgement.
- There are 38 languages which can be further broken down according to the clans. The languages are connected with each other.
- The concept of materialism does not form part of their culture- they only take what is needed from the land, unlike the colonial mindset which was about control and plundering nature's wealth.

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1.One thing that struck me most about Aboriginal culture is Judy Watson’s artwork, Wurreka. Her work is unique and creative which give us a chance to have an on- going conversation with Bunjilaka Aboriginal culture and better completely immersive experience in cultural centre. What’s more, it’s very interesting that different parts of aboriginal languages in Victorian have a longlasting effects in this areas.

2.38 languages and 11 languages families. I notice and guess that the closer people lived, the more similar their languages are. Furthermore, they usually used a rising tone towards the end as they lived closer to the seashore. Conversely，when they lived closer to mountain area, the voice was usually deeper and more decisive.

3.From my perspective, as ECE educators, we should first respect and preserve the Aboriginal languages and cultural heritage in the language and literacy learning. Secondly, we should realize our limitations as a teacher in literacy learning because we came from different parts of the world and received different educations before. As a result, we should try hard to get in touch in different education resources to know more about other opinions about languages learning and be more objective.

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1. I am uncultured in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, and I am honestly amazed at the sheer amount of languages there are. 38 languages within 11 language families alone is amazing. "Aboriginal" almost suggests a monolithic culture, while the languages they speak shows that this couldn't be further from the truth - although I think I am just displaying my ignorance here! The different languages gives us a tiny glimpse into the culture of First Peoples within what is now known as Victoria. To me, it seems as if there are many "worlds" of culture within "Victoria" alone.

2. What I've noticed about the languages is that they are grouped into language families that reflect similarities in grammar, sounds, and shared words. However, the fact that there are 11 language families really highlights the different cultures that have traditionally existed in "Victoria".

3. With this new information, one of the implications for myself as an ECE educator is to discard what we assume to be our own competency of working in multicultural spaces and to build it from the ground up. I now understand that the "local culture" of the indigenous people consists of many different cultures. Therefore, with regards to language and literacy learning, I think the emphasis on developing learning strategies that are adaptable to the individual child rather than attempting to "group" them into categories (i.e. EAL learners) is very important because there are many, many languages within the culture of the local indigenous people alone. Learning strategies that might be considered "universal" will have to be deconstructed or discarded completely.

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1. The part where Uncle Albert Mullett said that he went to school for six months but he decided to leave because he wanted to "learn from our own people" struck me. He says, "I need to know about things that are important to me as a young Aboriginal boy and as a young Aboriginal man."

This really struck me because Western type of education has been deeply imbedded in many cultures including Australia, and because it's the dominant discourse it's easy to think that it's the default. This reminds me that Aboriginal people have the right to self-determination and are free to choose how they will relate with the world. Things that are important for a non-Aboriginal person (like what and how one will be educated on) isn't always the same for an Aboriginal person and that should always be acknowledged and respected.

2. The Aboriginal languages, though they are quite diverse, are actually "more similar than dissimilar", as Paul Paton, Executive Officer of the Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL) says. This shows that there is still similarity in diversity, and this commonness can be a way to strengthen Aboriginal language and culture.

3. As ECE educators, being informed about Aboriginal languages and weaving that into the curriculum is a way of connecting to Aboriginal culture and making children realise that language and literacy learning doesn't just revolve around the English language. Keeping that in mind as ECE educators provides us lens to educate in a way that's diverse and inclusive.

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The main take-aways for me were:
1) australians need as many opportunities to be immersed in places constructed by and for Indigenous Australians. The sense of being in a space that was both slightly foreign and wonderfully familiar was deeply satisfying. It made me, as a white Australian, feel closer to the land and the Original Peoples of this land.
2) The power of multiple modes of representation. The exhibition told stories through artifacts, written and spoken words, artworks and visuals, and the construction and design of space. It seems apparent to me that in Australian Indigenous cultures, literacy is in reading the physical space, reading clothing and objects, reading artistic/visual representations of land
, and now reading the written word. I think we can build this into learning and teaching practices for all peoples of all ages and by doing this we will inevitably include more people into those practices. Lecturing and reading alone is a colonial method of teaching and is harmful and inneficient.

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1 One thing that struck me the most is the exquisite artworks made by Aboriginal people which usually contain a cultural theme and represent spiritual pursuits. The artworks also demonstrate deep connection to the land and nature.

2 There are 38 Aboriginal languages and 11 family languages in Victoria. The diverse languages are closely related to their traditional lands, and those languages also share connections in words, grammar and sounds.

3 The extraordinary artworks of Aboriginal culture inspire me of the multiliteracy in storytelling. In EC education, we can consider bring Aboriginal culture and knowledge into classrooms by starting with those artworks and the underlined stories. Moreover, it is vital to value and preserve the Aboriginal culture and languages in EC education.

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1. After visiting the Bunjilaka museum I was in awe of the creativity in which the First Peoples and those following express their culture and language through impressive handmade art and sculptures.  It really opened my eyes to the depths that indigenous languages actually are and i left with a better understanding of the importance in their culture of passing this rich knowledge onto the next generation.
2. Even though there are 38 unique Aboriginal languages and 11 family languages, they are all still connected through the stories they teach and represent. That is another thing that i have started picking up through my learning of Aboriginal culture is that there is a large emphasis and focus on the traditional stories that get passed on over generations, which i really enjoy learning about.
3. After experiencing this exhibition i am now more aware that as ECE educators it is important to respect and encourage the learning of Aboriginal language but also understand the diversity that is within. It is being aware that there is not just one language and making sure we understand and learn with the children.

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1.Everyone is proud of their identity, they speak for themselves and they fight for it. They deeply connect themselves to their culture. I found this very encouraging because it is very hard to answer who we are as there are many different voices surrounding, and the most struggling part is to reach an accommodation with ourselves.

2.There are 38 languages in Victoria, and 11 language families. They are grouped because of the same words, grammar and sounds.

3.As a ECE educator, learning Aboriginal languages and literacy can help me have a deeper understanding of Victoria, where it originated, how it developed and where it will develop in the future. After Acknowledging these crucial information I can delivery the core of Aboriginal culture to others, such as children. At the same time, one of educators’ basic qualities is to know every child’s family cultural backgrounds. It is likely that I will meet children from Aboriginal culture. So understanding their culture is conducive to creating a safe and comfortable environment for them.

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1. One thing that struck me about the Aboriginal culture in Victoria is their symbolic language system. Symbols can be found in their possum skin cloaks, their message sticks, their painting on the cave wall. How they use symbols to represent their thoughts and communicate with each other.
2. There are 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. The languages are further divided according to the Indigenous Peoples' group and traditional lands. It reflects that language is socially constructed and varies between different social groups.
3. The implication for us as ECE educators is that language is diverse. There are many different languages in the world and social context. There are English, French, Chinese, and Indigenous language etc. There are also verbal language, symbols, Auslan, and body language. We can use these diverse modes of language to plan different learning experiences for children that they are capable and interested in to extend their language and literacy skills in different ways.

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1. One thing struck me the most is how the Aboriginal language legacy is embedded in the mediums of visual art, soundscape and moving images, with reference to natural objects (e.g. animals).
2. I noticed that for different areas across Victoria, there are different language groups, including Melbourne language groups, Northeast language groups and southwest language groups, Central VIC language groups, etc.
3. As a future educator, I have realised that there is more than one way to teach language and literacy. During practice, we should also carry the vision of the Aboriginal people and help them reclaim and revitalise their culture.

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1. One thing that probably struck me the most about Aboriginal culture is that they have been practicing sustainability and protection of the environment for ever. The respect for land and the environment in Aboriginal culture is definitely crucial in the past, present and future.

I was also amazed by all the creative art creations displayed in the exhibition. The use of colours, patterns, symbols and materials in the creations by the First People are simply amazing!

2. The Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages (VACL) identifies 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. Some of these languages sound quite similar to me, especially those located close to each other.

3. I think the languages, symbols and artwork of Aboriginal culture is a perfect demonstration of multiliteracies. While it is true that language is important and fundamental to our sense of identity and belonging, symbols and art creations could also be used for effective communication and expression.

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1. The thing that struck me is their handicraft products and many of them are related to the nature and the Aboriginal people's life. It's a good way to preserve their cultures and traditions.

2. The languages of Victorian Aboriginal people are varied. It has 38 languages and 11 language families and these two are divided by different standards.

3. As an educator, I should respect and embrace the culture diversity and allow children to have a sense of identity by maintianing their home languages and their own cultures.

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1. By reading these websites, one thing that struck me the most is there are 38 aboriginal languages in Australia. I used to think that English is the only languge spoken in Australia. Even if there are some dialects, I didn't expect there are so many.
2. Different languages are spoken in different areas. This is mostly because there are many tribes live in different places. Language is the connection between them and their culture. These languages have evolved in a long history and have deep cultural heritage.
3. As ECE educators, the first thing we should remember is not every child has the same cultural background, we should seek common groud while respecting their differences. Language and culture are neither superior and inferior, we just need to guide them find their own way to their lives and success.

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1. I am amazed by how determined Aboriginal people are to pass on their culture and their ways of being and knowing to the future generations. I watched the video on the website and was greatly moved while seeing a grandfather was working with his grandsons to build a canoe. Canoe was a cultural symbol in Aboriginal culture, and building a canoe is cultural practice. Building a canoe together across generations is a way to keep the culture alive.
2. There are 38 languages in Victoria, and 11 language families. I  found it very interesting as the names of some languages sound very similar to each other.
3. As professionals working in ECEC, it is vital for us to recognize and respect the cultural diversity. Also, we need to value Aboriginal culture and traditions, and help Aboriginal children and parents form their strong sense of identity.

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1. Looking at the Many Nations objects online, I was struck by the piti, or digging dish. Reading about how in the past it was made from wood and in recent times has been made from metal, while still maintaining the shape and purpose of the wooden form made me think about how other aspects of Aboriginal culture has changed since colonization.
2. There are  38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria as identified by the VIctorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages. I learnt, rather than noticed, that language families are languages that share similarities in grammar and certain words and so can be grouped.
3. The implications for EC educators is that through research and through exhibitions such as the River of Language we can expose children to the concepts of many different languages as well as language in connection with people and places.

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One thing that struck me is the diversity of the aboriginal culture in Victoria, especially those fabulous Nations Objects. Many of those objects reflect the inheritance of aboriginal culture and the awe of nature.In addition, some works also reflect reflections on the destruction of traditional culture and ecology caused by modern life.
In terms of the aboriginal language, so far VACL identifies 38 languages and 11 language families. Many of them can be further divided according to clan groups and traditional lands. Those languages might have some similarity and connections, but they are also diverse and unique at the same time.
As ECE educators, when it comes to language and literacy learning, we are encouraged to show the richness and diversity of indigenous culture in a variety of ways such as pictures, sounds, objects, text and etc.

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1.One thing amazed me about Aboriginal culture in Victoria is the  connection they had with their nature.Their family partnerships, values, arts, customs, language and social behaviours all inter-related with the natural environment.When the colonisation occurred their attachment to the environment has damaged and they were disconnected from their traditions.It has a huge impact on their sense of identity and belonging.

2.There are 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria.Most of those main 38 languages are further divided according to clan groups and their traditional lands.Number of languages and uniqueness of it represent the diversity of Aboriginal culture.

3.As EC educators we should promote the Aboriginal languages in our curriculum and support the bilingualism in our setting.

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1. One thing that struck me about Aboriginal culture in Victoria is their close connection to the land— the relationship between Indigenous people and the land is one of reciprocity and respect: the land sustains and provides for the people, and the people sustain and manage the land through culture and ceremony. Because of this close connection, when the land is disrespected, damaged or destroyed, this can have real impact on the wellbeing of Indigenous people.

2. There are 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. Each language is specific to a particular place and people.

3. As ECE educators, we should integrate Indigenous languages into the curriculum to inspire children’s pride and respect. We should help children build a connection between Indigenous and non-Indigenous worlds and enable them to succeed in both.

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1.The objects from Many Nations reflect the divesity of Aboriginal culture. They are marvelous. The "Bathi mindjalpi" basket reflects an intimate connection with the ancestors who set out their traditional custom. The basket is often wore during rituals and for important public and civil occasions. Dr Gumbulla's deed on graduation ceremony demonstrate his pride for the Aboriginal culture.
2. There are 38 Aboriginal languages .These languages are closely related to the traditional lands and clan groups. There are 11 language families in Victoria. They are grouped based on linguistic features (grammar, sounds and shared words). One thing I notice about the languages is that the pronounciation varies in different languages, same letters being pronounced in different ways (e.g. the letter J).
3. As an ECE educator, it is important to create an inclusive environment, acknowledging the diversity of Aboriginal culture. Children's first languages must be valued and respected in class. I also think that educators should position ourselves as learners, when we are planning language and literacy activities for children. If possible, we may also consult with the Aboriginal members of local communities to make sure the materials we plan to use are appropriate.

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1.After taking a visual tour and watching many of the videos, I was impressed by the unique artworks made by Aboriginal people and the tattoos on their faces and bodies. And their respect to the whole nature and their history.
2.There are 38 aboriginal languages and 11 family languages. And I noticed that they are really interesting like some of share the similar words while the others may be completely different.
3. For the ECE educators, we should know that the world is diverse and we should respect every language of the students as well as their family and their background.

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Xinyue BAI                                       

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Xinyue BAI                                       

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1. One thing that really struck me about Aboriginal culture in Victoria is the number of languages. They sound so similar to me and I reckon that it must be so hard to speak those languages in a big family.
2. There are 38 languages and 11 language families in Victoria. And those languages sound so similar to me and it's hard to distinguish them.
3. As ECE educators, we should appreciate and respect different cultures. And it's educators' responsibility to know every cultural backgrounds and be open to every point of view. Also, we need to support children to know and learn more about Aboriginal cultures.

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1.Overall I thought the exhibition was very interesting. One part of the exhibition that I really enjoyed was the creation cinema. It was amazing to see how they have created a captivating piece of artwork that mirrors the movements of bird when flying. I think this piece reflects Indigenous spirituality and the importance of Aboriginal connection to land and culture.

2. There are 38 Indigenous languages and 11 language families in Victoria. I noticed that there are some Indigenous languages that have similar sounds and grammar. I think the exhibition highlighted how language and literacy is such an important part of all Indigenous cultures in story telling, teaching and learning.

3. The exhibition highlighted the importance of language and literacy amongst Indigenous cultures. As there are 38 Indigenous languages and 11 language families in just Victoria, it showcases how diverse Indigenous culture is. As Early Childhood Educators I think it’s important to respectfully incorporate local Indigenous language and culture into the classroom, so children are able to learn about and appreciate Aboriginal cultures.

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1. there are so many historical handicraft proves that aboriginal people had great knowledge of the agriculture at that time.
2. There are 38 languages and 11 languages families in Victoria. They have systematic and well-developed grammatical structure of the language, which is surprising.
3. We should be capable of the indigenous knowledge and respect and value their culture.