Bridging Now to Next: How to Embed Cultural Practices and Avoid Tokenism

This week, we observe National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), a significant time for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures, and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation. The theme for 2025, "Bridging Now to Next", calls on us to build strong, respectful relationships that honour the truths of the past while paving the way forward.

At Z Staffing we are committed to fostering an environment where children can learn about and appreciate the rich cultures and histories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and providing tools and resources to our Educators that they can embed in their daily practices. 

This year's theme is 'Bridging Now to Next', which emphasises the importance of connecting the past, present and future in the reconciliation journey and ensuring we're embedding cultural practices and perspectives into our daily practices and programming with the children in our care. 

With that in mind, we wanted to share how you as Educators may be able to do this within the Services on a day-to-day basis. 

We will cover: 

• Experiences you can setup for the Children 
• How to Avoid Tokenism and 
• Questions for Reflection 

Experiences that Embed Cultural Practice and Perspectives: 

1. Shared Stories – First Nations Picture Books

Experience: Read picture books by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors. Use them as a springboard for discussions, storytelling, or art activities.

Examples:

"Somebody’s Land" by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing

"Welcome to Country" by Aunty Joy Murphy

"Baby Business" by Jasmine Seymour

Extension: Children can draw scenes or create their own "welcome" stories.

2. Connection to Country – Nature Walk and Acknowledgement 

Experience: Go on a “Country Walk” around your service. Talk about how First Nations people care for land, water, and sky. 

Include: A daily Acknowledgement of Country—even a simple group one made with the children (e.g. "We play and learn on Darug land").

Art Extension: Nature collages or land paintings using earth colours.

3. Symbols and Meanings – Aboriginal Flags and Art

Important: Discuss the meaning and cultural significance, not just replicate symbols for craft's sake.

4. Music and Movement – Traditional Songs and Dance 

Example: Listen to music by Troy Cassar-Daley or Tiddas.

Extension: Invite an Aboriginal artist or dancer (if possible) or engage in respectful movement based on natural elements (wind, animals, etc.).

5. Language Exposure – Words from Local Language

Experience: Learn some words from the local Aboriginal language (e.g., hello, water, sun, friend).

Use: Display these around the classroom or include them in songs or transitions.

Important: Always consult with a local Elder or Aboriginal language centre if possible.

How to Avoid Tokenism – Meaningful Practice Tips

As a non-Indigenous educator, awareness and reflection are key. Here’s how to keep your reconciliation efforts authentic:

✅ Do:

• Consult with local Aboriginal community members or organisations (like Aboriginal Education Officers or Land Councils).
• Embed Aboriginal perspectives throughout the year, not just during Reconciliation Week or NAIDOC.
• Share the stories, voices, and work of Aboriginal people—not just symbols.
• Use authentic resources created by First Nations people (books, songs, art, stories).
• Educate yourself continually (e.g., attend cultural training, read Aboriginal authors).
  
  

❌ Avoid:

• Using sacred symbols or Dreaming stories without permission or understanding.
• Treating culture like a theme or decoration (e.g., boomerangs or dot paintings with no context).
• Doing one-off activities with no follow-up or reflection.
• Presenting Aboriginal culture as something only from the past.

Reflection Questions 

• What do we know about the Country our service is on?
• Whose voices are we including when we talk about reconciliation?
• How can we make cultural learning a living part of our daily program?

These small but thoughtful actions can help children build understanding, respect, and a sense of connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

If you do implement any of the above, please share some of those experiences, photos etc with us! 

Soon we will be sending out a regular Z Newsletter and we would love to showcase some of the experiences you're setting up with the wider Z Community!

Please note: Please seek permission from the Centre to take photos of any experiences you are setting up. Photos should not include the Children, unless you have consent from the Centre you are working with on the day. 

We're looking forward to seeing the wonderful things you do!