First Nations knowledge, embodying one of the world's oldest continuing cultures, faces the profound risk of loss. When Elders pass away, a wealth of stories and knowledge can disappear, or become inaccessible to younger generations.
This is the driving force behind SharingStories Foundation’s Koori Digital Maps: Connecting Country, Sharing Culture. This innovative project uses interactive digital mapping to bring Victorian First Nations stories to life. By incorporating elements of film, bilingual digital books, on-Country apps, animations and interactive Discovery Maps, the project aims to link culture and technology to preserve culturally critical stories for generations to come.
A New Way to Learn from Country
Led by the First Nations–run SharingStories Foundation, and with funding from the
Telematics Trust, the Koori Digital Maps project responds to an urgent need to preserve ancestral knowledge before it is lost. With the passing of Elders, countless culturally critical stories are at risk of disappearing completely.
Through this project, communities can record their histories, languages, and teachings in enduring digital forms, in what partner communities have described as “Digital Ancestors.”
The project’s centrepiece is an interactive Koori Discovery Map, hosted on SharingStories’ education platform Jajoo Warrngara: The Culture Classroom. The map allows users to explore Victoria’s diverse First Nations communities through stories, animations, and language recordings, each guided and approved by Elders and Custodians. Complementing the digital platform is a physical and immersive installation called the Koori Culture Map, based at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Melbourne’s Federation Square. Using touchscreen technology, visitors can engage with stories, explore Country, and access classroom resources via QR codes, ensuring these narratives are both preserved and experienced.
Through the Foundation, educators also gain access to bilingual, curriculum-aligned materials that empower them to embed First Nations perspectives safely and respectfully into their teaching. The project also benefits from partnerships with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc. (VAEAI), ensuring schools across Victoria are well supported to integrate Koori voices and knowledge into everyday learning.
A Greater Reach for a Greater Impact
Jajoo Warrngara, the education platform, had 15,000 unique visitors over 2024-25, while Jajoo Warrngara Classroom Community EDMs reach 2,116 educators each quarter. Interest in the Jajoo Warrngara platform has grown exponentially and is projected to grow further, bolstered by significant recognition and support. In addition to Telematics Trust’s $48,000 grant, the platform was a National NAIDOC Award finalist in Education, and is backed by highly reputable organisations including Indigenous Languages Australia, Adobe, Code Club Australia, and the Koorie Heritage Trust.
A Sustainable Model for Cultural Continuity
Through SharingStories Foundation’s revenue-share model, 50% of all resource income from Jajoo Warrngara is returned directly to community, supporting local employment, cultural maintenance, and future content creation. With this support, the project ensures that First Nations communities continue to lead, benefit, and grow from their stories. As it expands, the map will include more Victorian First Nations communities, deepening public understanding and respect for Koori culture and Country. As CEO, Sharon Williams writes:
"We’re incredibly excited and grateful for Telematics Trust’s support. This funding will help us bring the Koorie Discovery Map to life on our Jajoo Warrngara platform and into the Koorie Heritage Trust. It will provide a truly engaging way for students, teachers, and community to connect with stories, language, and Country through an interactive digital experience enriched with films, animations, language, and curriculum-aligned activities. Early planning is already underway, and this grant will allow us to carry the work forward with real momentum into 2026."
By transforming digital education into a living act of cultural preservation that connects young learners, Elders, and communities across generations, SharingStories Foundation is redefining how Victorians learn from Country. Learn more at www.sharingstoriesfoundation.org
