Students will explore the strength, legacy and vision of First Nations leaders and changemakers through this hands-on scroll timeline activity, ideal for NAIDOC Week celebrations. This creative and reflective task invites students to consider how individuals have shaped Australian history and encourages them to imagine the contributions they might make in the future.

NAIDOC Week A Scroll Through Time: Timeline Activity is a unique way to blend history, personal reflection and art. Using a scroll format brings an engaging visual and tactile element to learning, making abstract ideas like “legacy” more accessible for younger learners. With printable templates and thoughtful prompts, students will build a personalised timeline to honour significant people and moments from First Nations history.

Students will illustrate and describe key figures, events or contributions, then roll their scroll between cardboard tubes to create a final display piece. The activity can be completed independently or integrated into a larger unit of work, and includes options for extension and classroom collaboration.

Key Learning Outcomes

• ✅ Explore significant people and moments in First Nations history
• ✅ Understand the concept of legacy and long-term contribution
• ✅ Develop sequencing and visual organisation skills through timeline construction
• ✅ Reflect on personal values and future aspirations

What’s Included

• Scroll timeline templates (blank and lined)
• Extension boxes for additional events or contributions
• Decorative tags for scroll ends
• Instructions for scroll assembly using cardboard tubes

Materials Needed

• Printed templates (on paper or cardstock for durability)
• Two cardboard tubes per student (e.g. paper towel rolls)
• Scissors, tape or glue
• String or ribbon to tie the scrolls
• Pencils, markers or colouring utensils for decoration

How to Use

1. Print scroll templates and tags on cardstock. Prepare cardboard tubes and craft supplies.
2. Introduce the concept of legacy and explore stories of First Nations leaders or key historical moments.
3. Students draw or write about at least four significant people or events on their scrolls.
4. Glue or tape cardboard tubes to each end of the scroll and roll the paper tightly.
5. Tie with ribbon or string and use for display, reflection or classroom discussion.
6. If you would prefer a simpler version, this activity is also available as a worksheet – check out our NAIDOC Week Legacy Timeline Worksheets.

Ideas for Classroom Use

• 💡 Display scrolls in a Legacy Wall as part of your NAIDOC Week celebrations
• 💡 Have students add a “future vision” section to their scrolls showing what they hope to be remembered for
• 💡 Host a short yarning circle where students share their scrolls with a peer or group
• 💡 Use the scrolls as part of a school display or library exhibit celebrating First Nations leaders
• 💡 Use in conjunction with the other resources in our NAIDOC Week collection

Top Teacher Tips

• 💛 Enlarge the templates to A3 for younger learners or more detailed artwork
• 💛 Print on coloured or textured paper to create a more authentic aged-scroll appearance
• 💛 Model how to construct the scroll using a sample to support independent work
• 💛 Integrate traditional patterns and art as part of your cultural appreciation and design process

This creative and thoughtful scroll activity supports students to explore First Nations history while imagining their own role in shaping the future. It’s an ideal way to celebrate NAIDOC Week while encouraging meaningful reflection and artistic expression.