Each year Australia acknowledges National Reconciliation Week from 27 May to 3 June. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories and cultures, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. In Kindy, we have been deepening our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. As a class we discussed how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are Australia’s First People. We talked about the Whadjuk people, the traditional owners of the land we learn and play on each day when we come to school.
The Kindy children explored different cultural aspects of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, such as storytelling through song and dance. We watched Hunter from Playschool dance like an eagle as Matthew played his didgeridoo.
We read the text, “Welcome to Country” by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy and admired all the beautiful Indigenous artwork throughout this story.
We ventured outside to play an Indigenous game called, ‘Gorri’. Before playing our game, we came together to share an Acknowledgement of Country. We thanked the Whadjuk people for the land we learn and play on.
Here is the land,
Here is the sky.
Here are my friends,
And here am I.
We thank the Whadjuk people for the land on which we play and learn.
Hands up, hands down. We’re on Noongar ground.
Following all these learning experiences, we made a footprint display, Kindy Mob Walking Together. It symbolises our unity and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Together we walk on Country.
