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First Nations’ Fish Traps

Research Questions

Name Class

Task 1

What are First Nations fish traps and how do they work?

  1. Where in Australia can you find examples of First Nations fish traps?
  2. What materials are used to build different types of fish traps?
  3. How do the designs of fish traps help catch fish or eels?

Task 2

How do different First Nations communities design fish traps to suit their environments and needs?

  1. Compare at least two types of fish traps (e.g., Brewarrina stone traps, eel nets of the Ngarrindjeri) – how are their designs different and why?
  2. How do the local environment and the kinds of aquatic animals influence the design and location of fish traps?
  3. How have these designs helped First Nations communities to live sustainably?

Task 3

What is threatening the survival and legacy of First Nations fish traps, and how can we help protect them for the future?

  1. Identify and describe at least two current risks to fish traps (e.g., environmental changes, loss of knowledge, development).
  2. What roles or jobs are important for protecting First Nations fish traps, and what knowledge or skills do people in these roles need?
  3. Design an awareness campaign or solution (using digital technology, e.g., a video, poster, or blog post) to help your community understand why protecting fish traps is important.