Fostering opportunities on Quandamooka Country from Reconciliation week events to dedicated professional development was part of our community journey.
Reconciliation week saw Aunty Merle and Kaitlin from Yura Consultancy and Quandamooka presenter, Matt Burns, deliver deep and thoughtful insights to invited guests.
Dedicated early childhood and primary teachers, as well as Directors and principals, came together to engage in an insightful professional development workshop run by Aunty Sharron mirri Bell and Sara Frazer at Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre.
Aunty Sharron mirri Bell, a proud Wiradjuri Gamilaraay woman, is a celebrated storyteller, performer, and educator. Sharron is passionate about sharing her continual dreaming story, in the hope that we all can walk together with respect, sharing, and caring for Mother Earth, her waters, each other and all living things. Her love for working with children and advocating for their rights has seen her collaborate with Children's Rights Queensland, ensuring Indigenous voices are heard and respected. Many may recognise Aunty Sharron from her stint as a presenter on Play School.
Sara Frazer, Education and Engagement Coordinator at Reconciliation Queensland, is a proud woman from the Quandamooka Nation and Kunji from the Thipan peoples who wears multiple hats. She is passionate about education, creating understanding and providing opportunities for others to learn and grow.
The workshop provided teachers with practical strategies to integrate Indigenous perspectives into their teaching. Aunty Sharron demonstrated how music and movement can be powerful tools to engage students in learning about culture in a meaningful way. Sara facilitated a session on ways to be a strong ally and ensure transitions to ECECs and schools are culturally safe for all children. Delicious food from Figjam & Co was a massive hit.
Attendees left the workshop feeling empowered and equipped with authentic approaches to celebrating and embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in their respective schools. A wonderful day!