National Reconciliation Week has begun! From 27 May until 3 June we are focused on learning all about the actions we can take as part of an endeavour to Be Brave. Make Change.
Education is always key to growth and understanding and this we definitely find applies, when it comes to the reconciliation journey we are all on in Australia. We can all contribute to achieving a reconciled Australia, and while words are powerful, let’s not forget to take action too. Not just this week for National Reconciliation Week but every day. Use National Reconciliation Week as a reminder to continue to make time to learn about and celebrate the world’s oldest living culture!
To support early childhood education services in recognising this important week in a practical way, here are some pointers inspired by the National Reconciliation Website. You can check them all out over there. You will also find resources like posters and colouring in printable activities to use too.
Actions for Change this Reconciliation Week
Explore the history of our reconciliation journey: The dates of National Reconciliation Week remain the same each year and are based around milestone events that have been notable in the reconciliation journey. These are the 1967 referendum and the Mabo decision in the High Court of Australia. You might like to begin with exploring some aspects of these special dates with children and learn more.
Learn about the land: Little things can go a long way, like helping children to know the Aboriginal place names for where they are. As we all live and learn about Aboriginal land, make it our business to know about the history of the areas and where we live. Get crafty to make it interactive by creating a map of your state or even Australia and learn as many different places as you can!
Embrace your Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP): A Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is a formal statement of commitment to reconciliation. An early learning service can develop a RAP using the Narragunnawali platform to begin a new journey.
Utilise Indigenous resources: When seeking out truths about Indigenous history, look for resources that are drawn, painted, written, created and told by Indigenous people from Indigenous perspectives. We have so much more to gain from doing so and so do children.
Learn about language: Embracing Indigenous language can contribute greatly to the reconciliation journey and our people. Language is at the heart of every person’s identity and the same goes for each and every Indigenous group of Australia. Learning and celebrating Indigenous language can be so easy , giving children the chance to make a strong connection to Indigenous history.
Talk about racism and discrimination: Inclusive learning environments are something that we know educators are passionate about in early childhood education. Acknowledging our differences and celebrating them is a great way of exploring race and starting to have open discussions about how important it is that we all feel we belong no matter the colour of our skin, various backgrounds, languages and so on.
Together we can all Be Brave and Make Change now and well into the future!
All Australians deserve to know about our shared history and culture — let’s learn together and let Australia’s Indigenous beginnings shine bright.
What do you think or feel about National Reconciliation Week 2022? Jump over and comment on our Facebook page, we’d love to hear your thoughts!
