Now More Than Ever
This year, the theme for Reconciliation Week (held every year 27th May – 3rd June) is ‘Now More Than Ever’ and while it is still a few weeks away so might not be on your radar yet, I want to talk about the theme and what it means for teachers – because it’s an important one.
‘Now More Than Ever’ reminds us that, no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will – and must – continue. It reminds us that we all have a part to play in tackling the unfinished business of reconciliation. The last 12 months have undoubtedly been hard, but work is still being done and it’s time to re-focus and recharge as the country moves forward together. As a nation we need to engage in truth-telling, we need to actively seek to understand our history, and we need to embrace approaches that are anti-racist.
We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.
As teachers we are in a prime position to be contributing to this work every day. We can support students to gain the awareness, knowledge and skills to be lifelong contributors to change and reconciliation. The best way to do this is by including regular Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in your classroom. I know this is not always as easy as it sounds, but if you are unsure how to do this, there is plenty of support out there:
Consider a Wingaru Kids subscription – we’ve done lots of the work for you! All our lessons are curriculum aligned, embrace truth-telling, and you are guaranteed to get a true First Nations perspective delivered in a culturally safe way.
Follow Aboriginal educators and organisations on social media – we often share ideas, tips and information.
Look for professional development that is delivered by Aboriginal providers – there are a few of us out there so plenty to choose from.
Attend local First Nations events and connect with your local community.
Now more than ever we need teachers to really commit to supporting a shared understanding of Aboriginal histories, people and culture. We will be sharing ideas on how you can do this not only during Reconciliation Week but throughout the whole year. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Establish a yarning circle to encourage your class to share ideas, to discuss topics together and collaborate on projects. Yarning circles are a safe space to talk, no matter the topic. Talk about reconciliation and why it is needed, then what we can all do, and be ready to explore myths and misconceptions kids might have heard. For ideas, read our blog on yarning circles and check out our yarning cards. All our lessons also include discussion ideas.
Including an acknowledgement of Country in your classroom encourages respect for First Nations culture and the work Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people do every day to care for Country. It could be a spoken acknowledgement that the class shares each day or week, or a visual reminder. Work with your class and see what they come up with – you can buy gorgeous acknowledgement displays from several First Nations providers. Check out what’s available online and in your local community.
Learn about some of the people who are driving change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and share their stories. It’s a great way to acknowledge the good that is happening out there.
Make First Nations stories and culture front and centre by including posters, art, books and other resources in your classroom.
Look for ways your school can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: engage in initiatives that raise awareness like Aboriginal Literacy Day; attend local community events; offer school space for community events; and look for opportunities to use Aboriginal-led suppliers. Many teachers are already choosing to only use Aboriginal education resources from Aboriginal providers but I encourage you to look beyond educational material and search for stationary, office supplies, services and everyday items that are offered by Blak providers.
Download our free colouring activity below to get students thinking about this year’s theme. If you are a Wingaru Kids subscriber, you will also find more reconciliation week activities, including our deadly wall display activity on their Wingaru Kids Dashboard.
More now than ever we need to stand together to defend and uphold the rights of First Nations peoples and encourage better outcomes for our communities. We need to call out racism wherever we encounter it, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this country. And the classroom is the perfect place to start...