Be Brave. Make Change. National Reconciliation Week.

National Reconciliation Week — 27 May to 3 June — is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. 

This year the theme of National Reconciliation Week is, “Be Brave. Make Change.” It is a challenge to all Australians, to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.

Ways our Early Learners can develop a deeper understanding of our First Nations history and culture include:

• Acknowledging the Country daily by focusing on ‘the history that children have had on this country, and relating the history of the land to the experiences of children.
• Children’s Acknowledgement of Country – Incorporating a daily Acknowledgement of Country is important because it encourages children to engage with diversity and respect.
• Telling Dreaming stories
• Cooking and Food-related Experiences: using indigenous and/or native ingredients, finding and tasting ‘bush tucker’ in collaboration with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
• Family Histories – talking with children about where they come from, who they are connected to, who the members of their families are. Using questions such as these along with maps can assist in showing family connections to other countries and places. Part of this exploration can be about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s connections to their Land and their Country, tribal groups and Nations.
• Language – using words in local Aboriginal languages for greetings, finding out the aboriginal names of Australian animals, plants, body parts and other terms children understand. 
• Movement Experiences – learning some traditional and contemporary Aboriginal dance movements, for example, those that are based on Australian animals, and creating new movements.
• Music Experiences – listening and responding to traditional and contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music or making and using clapping sticks. Remember that traditionally only males are allowed to play or even handle didgeridoos.
• Puzzles – sourcing and using puzzles that have diverse images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, people and animals.

It is important for children and families to learn about the various ways that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people contribute to the community. Recognising and including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures forms the bedrock of not only reconciliation but of the broader process to foster respect for diversity and cultural competence.