Indigenous experiences | National Library of Australia (NLA)

Indigenous experiences

Learning activities

These activities explore early interactions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Australia through the story of Bungaree.

Activity 1: Analysing portraits of Bungaree

Ask students to compare 2 portraits of Bungaree, Augustus Earle’s original painting and the print Earle completed after returning to England.

  1. Provide background notes on Bungaree’s life and significance.
  2. Lead a class discussion using the following questions:
    • What differences can you see between the two portraits?
    • What changes do you think Bungaree experienced since the arrival of European settlers? Why?
    • Who do you think Bungaree’s female companion might be? What might she be thinking?
    • Why do you think Bungaree chose to engage with European authorities in the way he did?
    • What feelings or responses do the portraits evoke?

Activity 2: Bungaree’s voice

Invite students to step into Bungaree’s shoes:

  1. Ask them to imagine his experiences after the arrival of European settlers.
  2. Have them write a diary entry or monologue from Bungaree’s perspective, reflecting on:
    • his hopes and fears
    • the arrival of Europeans
    • reactions from others in his community
    • the significance of wearing the Kingplate presented by Governor Lachlan Macquarie

Activity 3: Indigenous ‘firsts’

Bungaree was the first known Indigenous person to circumnavigate Australia. Use this as a starting point to explore the achievements of other notable First Nations Australians.

  1. Ask each student to choose one person from the list or find one of their own:
    • Bennelong
    • Arabanoo
    • David Unaipon
    • Robert Kinnear
    • Aya-I-Ga (‘Neighbour’)
    • Reg Saunders
    • Albert Namatjira
    • Gwoya Jungarai
    • Jimmy Little
    • Oodgeroo Noonuccal
    • Charles Perkins
    • Lionel Rose
    • Neville Bonner
  2. Students research and prepare a report on their chosen figure.
  3. They can present their findings to the class either orally or in writing.

Suggested links to other sources:

You could extend this activity by connecting it to other Treasures Gallery materials on:

Page published: 14 Jul 2025

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