The City of Canterbury Bankstown is challenging local Early Learning Centres and playgroups to share with our community how they recognise Indigenous heritage in their classrooms.
The Children’s Acknowledgement of Country Challenge is an opportunity for local Early Learning Centres and playgroups to showcase their art, story time, elder visits, ceremonies, or other ways that they recognise Country. There are prizes on offer!
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor, Khal Asfour says he is excited to see how local centres educate our young residents about Indigenous culture.
“I know local centres are doing great work in introducing our youngest Australians to the complex and ancient culture of our First Nations people. I’m looking forward to seeing the creativity they use to communicate this.” Mayor Asfour says.
Anum Ali, an Early Childhood Teacher at Earlwood’s Children’s Centre, is thrilled to have the opportunity to share her passion for educating children about First Nations.
“It is highly important for children to learn to respect and acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, so that they develop a sound understanding and knowledge of Australia’s history. When children learn about the diversity and richness of Indigenous cultures and peoples, it assists them in developing their own sense of belonging, identity and confidence,” she says.
Earlwood’s Children’s Centre has a range of activities to acknowledge indigenous culture.
“Children enthusiastically participate in the Acknowledgement of Country every morning. We also encourage children to learn the Darug language and have been incorporating some key words – we greet children in the morning saying, “Worimi Ngani” to say hello and ask how you are. Children have also participated in creating a statement of acknowledgement display for the entrance to Acknowledge the Eora people of the Darug nation,” says Anum.
Children are also learning Aboriginal symbols, Dreamtime stories and play indigenous games.
The Children’s Acknowledgement of Country Challenge runs until Monday 3 October and is open to all Early Learning Centres and playgroups with children aged 3-5. Enter at cb.city/childrensacknowledgement.
There are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource Packs to the value of $200 to be won, and winners may also be invited to feature in a video acknowledging Country.