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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural information

Understanding, respecting and privileging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural perspectives is crucial in early education and care. The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2.0 emphasises the importance of embedding culturally safe environments, respect for diversity and inclusive practices. By incorporating these perspectives into the curriculum, educators can foster a strong sense of identity and belonging in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, enrich the learning experiences of all children, and build respectful partnerships with families and communities.

 

Recommended resources: Mar 25

Curated by CELA's Aboriginal Cultural Advisor Lisa Walker

Resources

New First Nations Story Time stories - Story Box Hub

New stories from incredible storytellers Thomas Mayo Kirli Saunders and Megzyy — each bringing powerful narratives that celebrate culture, history, and identity.

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Resources

Songlines art, culture and education

Songlines is a majority Aboriginal owned family business that combines a lifetime of cultural knowledge and talent with extensive experience and training to provide trusted advice, quality resources and professional services.

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Article

National Sorry Day vs National Apology - NITV

"Some often confuse National Sorry Day with the National Apology, which was delivered by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. While both days acknowledge the trauma experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, there is an important difference between the two."

NITV

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Key dates

Jan - May

June - December

Featured CELA articles

Making culture visible and learning through reflective practice

Early childhood educators Cherie Longden and Natasha Bell from Styles Street Long Day Care share their journey of making Aboriginal perspectives more visible at their service, guided by Jess Sinnott of Koori Kinnections. They explore how fostering a culture of learning and reflection allowed them to engage children more deeply and meaningfully in the process.

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How to avoid the trap of cultural tokenism

Deborah Hoger, a Dunghutti woman and early years indigenous educational resources specialist, shares how we can celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture in an authentic way.

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Representation matters, here’s how you can conduct a bookshelf audit

Being deliberate and intentional in our book choices, and actively including books with diverse characters, is beneficial to all children. Regular CELA writer and Indigenous early education resource specialist Deborah Hoger shares why a book audit is important for fostering inclusion, and provides four easy steps for how you can conduct a bookshelf audit in your service. 

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Recommended training

Acknowledging and Celebrating First Nations of Australia: A Starting Point

2-part live webinar series - CELA

NESA Accredited PD

Explore how to deliver respectful experiences of Indigenous histories, cultures and languages, and who to engage with in order to embed authentic First Nations perspectives into your program. 

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Practices in Action: Cultural responsiveness

Live webinar - CELA

This 2-hour session focuses on cultural responsiveness within the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), guiding early childhood educators to integrate this practice into their daily routines. Participants will explore diverse perspectives on culture, its impact on identity, and practical strategies to create culturally inclusive environments, fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to cultural responsiveness in early years settings.

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Respectful Engagement of First Nations Communities

Training with Riley Callie Resources
  • Learn about the shared principles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 
  • Get the steps you need' to build meaningful and authentic relationships with First Nations Communities; relationships built on trust, mutual respect and reciprocity. 

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CELA member resources

Self-reflection on cultural inclusion for First Nations children

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This resource will help you to kickstart your own individual cultural learning journey and provide a friendly reminder that things are not as easy for a lot of First Nations Peoples across our continent. 

Written by CELA Cultural Advisor Lisa Walker

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NEW! Respectfully connect with your local First Nations community

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These guidelines will help you foster a workplace environment that truly respects and understands the First Nations cultures and practices of employees.

Written by CELA Cultural Advisor Lisa Walker

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Respectfully connect with your local First Nations community

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CELA Cultural Advisor Lisa Walker shares why it's important to consciously consider how you engage with First Nations Peoples, including steps to take and things to consider on your journey. 

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CELA Membership

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CELA members receive up to 20% discount on training, consultancy and mentoring services. Great value for less than $1 a day!

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CELA’s insurer of choice. Protecting Australian businesses and individuals with tailored insurance products and caring personal service.