Educating children on the Indigenous history, culture, and perspectives is essential in reversing the legacy of Australia's excluded past, addressing poor socio-economic outcomes in Indigenous children and supporting reconciliation between Indigenous and non-indigenous Australians (Westaway, 2014; Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, n.d; Craven, 2020). There are many other benefits of teaching Indigenous Australian histories, cultures and perspectives to all young children, including that the future generation respect and understand the importance of the land they live in (Mandewo, n.d.). Children's ongoing development is also supported through historical teaching inquiry and essential empathy skills (Westaway, 2014). During early childhood, children form opinions and understandings that they will carry with them. Thus learning Indigenous history forms lifelong cultural competence and encourages the fulfilment of the human rights of the Indigenous to have their own cultures, histories and perspectives recognised and respected (Mandewo, n.d.). It also fosters stronger connections to the land, a deeper understanding of the natural world and environmental stewardship (Yiramalay/Wesley Studio School, 2019). Children's emotional and social well-being are also supported, understanding their identity, place in the world and different ways that cultures and communities can come together (Early Childhood Australia, 2019; Evolve Communities, 2023)
In early 2020, our service created a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) under the Narragunnawali framework. Two fundamental principles of the National Quality Framework require that equity, inclusion and diversity underpin teaching practice and that Indigenous cultures are valued (Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority, 2022). While initially starting only a tiny project led by one team leader, this project is now fully embedded into all our operations, and our actions are only getting more adventurous.
See the latest copy of our RAP. Also view an overview of our journey.