This resource contains an exclusive artwork, titled ‘The Path to Learning’, created by contemporary artist Ryhia Dank, a Gudanji/Wakaja woman from the Barkly Tablelands. This artwork contains 26 different symbols, each starting with a letter from the alphabet.

This thoughtful activity supports classroom conversations around identity, country, connection and storytelling, while helping students appreciate the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. It is ideal for use during Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC celebrations.

Students will be immersed in traditional First Nations symbols as they search the artwork for a variety of culturally significant illustrations - each beginning with a different letter of the alphabet. As they identify each symbol, students will colour it on their worksheet.

This versatile resource includes:

1. A high-quality artwork poster: ‘The Path to Learning’
2. A matching Find & Colour worksheet featuring 26 First Nations symbols for each letter of the alphabet.

How to Use

1. Display the full artwork on your interactive whiteboard or print it out as a poster.
2. Provide students with the matching Find & Colour worksheet.
3. Invite students to carefully observe the artwork and locate each of the 26 symbols.
4. Once found, students colour in the matching symbol on their worksheet.
5. Encourage class discussion about the meaning or use of symbols in First Nations culture.

Additional Tips

1. Enlarge the poster to A3 for display in your classroom.
2. Pair the activity with a read-aloud or short video about First Nations symbols and storytelling.

Images used in this resource were created as part of a commissioned art project for Top Teacher by Ryhia Dank from Nardurna. Ryhia also created the artwork that formed our Juguli Décor Pack.

This activity builds awareness, understanding and appreciation of First Nations culture. It is a must-have for integrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives throughout the year.