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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: June 2026

Curated by CELA's Aboriginal Cultural Advisor Lisa Walker

Guide

Evaluating and selecting education resources (AIATSIS)

The AIATSIS Guide to Evaluating and Selecting Education Resources helps educators critically reflect on their own positionality and make conscious, culturally-informed decisions when choosing curriculum materials about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and languages. Grounded in the AIATSIS Code of Ethics and the Spiral of Inquiry, it provides a practical framework for selecting resources that respect and celebrate First Nations perspectives rather than causing harm. 

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Article

The impact of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators (AITSL)

This AITSL Spotlight examines the vital role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators play in schools and communities, particularly in remote contexts where their deep knowledge of local languages, histories, and cultures provides irreplaceable continuity and cultural safety for students. It draws on evidence from across Australia to explore how school leaders and policy makers can better support, recruit, and retain First Nations educators in the workforce.

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Information

NAIDOC Week 2026 theme announced (NAIDOC)

This announcement marks the unveiling of NAIDOC Week 2026's national theme, 50 Years of Deadly, celebrating five decades of a week dedicated to amplifying and honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures. Running 5--12 July 2026, the theme reflects on the milestone history of NAIDOC Week and the strength, resilience, and ongoing contributions of First Nations communities across Australia

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Key dates

Jan - May

June - December

Featured CELA articles

National Reconciliation Week 2026: We're all in

Indigenous Early Education Resource Specialist Deborah Hoger explores the 2026 National Reconciliation Week theme, “All In”, and what it means for educators to move beyond symbolic gestures towards meaningful, ongoing action.

Deborah reflects on the role early childhood professionals can play in embedding First Nations perspectives, truth-telling and culturally responsive practice into everyday learning environments.

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Walking side by side: A First Nations call to check in and stand up

This powerful reflection from Lisa Walker invites readers to pause, listen and consider the lived realities of First Nations peoples in Australia today.

It explores the ongoing impacts of systemic inequality, while calling on individuals and services to show up with empathy, cultural responsiveness and genuine connection. With practical guidance for educators, the article encourages us to walk side by side to support meaningful change for all children.

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How to build implicit and explicit cultural safety in ECEC spaces

CELA Cultural Advisor Lisa Walker shares ways to address both explicit and implicit cultural safety in everyday practice to build culturally responsive early learning settings that support First Nations children, families and team members to feel safe, respected, valued and seen. 

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Original news and views written by CELA, industry experts and members.

Recommended training

SNAICC

PD opportunities for ECEC

SNAICC facilitates a number of Learning and Development opportunities focused on early childhood learning, development, safety and wellbeing. These opportunities are intended to improve the quality, accessibility and long-term viability of services for our children and families. Find out more about the programs below.

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Strengthening mainstream ECEC service engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

NEW - Self-paced - CELA

This self-paced course aims to provide support for educators in mainstream early childhood services who want to cultivate partnerships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities and embed local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and languages in the curriculum.   

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TIPIAC and Riley Callie Resources: National First Nations Education Conference

By connecting educators and teachers with inspiring First Nations change-makers, this conference empowers attendees with the tools, knowledge, and motivation to engage with First Nations content in ways that are culturally respectful, meaningful, and transformative.

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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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Creating a culturally safe workplace for First Nations employees

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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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Accessing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resources in an Ethical Way

This resource written by CELA Cultural Advisor Lisa Walker includes principles to guide your choices, helpful resources, an ethics checklist and guidance on how to build connections.

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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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Guild Insurance

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