Teachers passionate about embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into the classroom participated in an insightful professional development workshop run by Aunty Sharron mirri Bell at Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre.
Aunty Sharron mirri Bell, a proud Wiradjuri Gamilaraay woman, is a celebrated storyteller, performer, and educator. Sharron has an insatiable passion for 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 passion 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 time as a presenter on Play School, where she brought joy and cultural learning to children across Australia.
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. Her ability to connect with children through song and dance is truly inspiring, and having her break down the skills, techniques, and significance behind each element provided invaluable insights for educators.
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. Thank you, Aunty Sharron, for your generosity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to cultural education!