When we talk about reconciliation in early childhood, we’re not just talking about craft activities and storytime. We’re talking about real action — helping the next generation grow up knowing the truth, respecting the world’s oldest living culture, and learning how to walk together with care and understanding.

That starts with us, the educators.

What is National Reconciliation Week About?

National Reconciliation Week runs every year from 27 May to 3 June. These dates are deeply significant in Australia’s history:

• 27 May marks the anniversary of the 1967 Referendum, where over 90% of Australians voted to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the census and allow the Federal Government to make laws for them.
• 3 June marks the 1992 Mabo Decision, which overturned the lie of terra nullius (meaning land belonging to no one) and legally recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of their land.

These aren’t just calendar dates, but powerful reminders of the truth, the progress we’ve made, and how much further we still have to go.

What’s our role in early childhood education?

In early learning, we have the privilege and responsibility to embed Indigenous perspectives in meaningful ways, not just during Reconciliation Week, but all year round.

Reconciliation isn’t a token activity or a checkbox. It’s about building real understanding, showing respect, and ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children feel seen, heard, and celebrated in every service. Just as importantly, it's also about educating all children in the truth of this country’s history — in an age-appropriate, respectful way.

This year’s theme is: “Bridging Now to Next”

This theme powerfully reminds us that while progress has been made, we can’t afford to slow down. Now more than ever, we need to stand up, speak up, and show up in our classrooms, services, and communities.

How can we get involved?

Here are a few learning experiences and ideas that centre this year’s theme and promote meaningful engagement:

• Yarning circles – Invite children to share stories and listen to Dreaming stories from First Nations authors or community members.
• Acknowledgement of Country – Create opportunities for children to lead their own Acknowledgement of Country and talk about what it means.
• Art experiences using natural materials – Inspired by Indigenous art techniques and storytelling.
• Explore the map of Australia – Learn about the many Aboriginal nations and language groups across the country using the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) map.
• Music and dance – Explore traditional instruments like clapsticks or Torres Strait Islander songs and movement.
• Bush tucker garden or sensory table – Explore native ingredients, smells, and textures while learning about how First Nations people care for the country.

These experiences might seem simple, but they create strong, respectful foundations. They show children that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are not just history — they are living, vibrant, and should be respected.

Reconciliation starts with truth. It’s built through relationships. And in early childhood education, we are in the perfect position to lay that groundwork.

Let’s not wait for someone else to do it, let’s make space, make change, and keep showing up.