TEACHING YOUNG ONES
CULTURAL PRACTICE FOR ABORIGINAL WOMEN
The staff at KU Concord Children’s Centre had always wanted to interact with the parkland surrounding the
centre and learn how to use and incorporate the native plants into the centre’s program. The engagement
of Aunty Julie 3 and Aunty Corina 4 , who are both Aboriginal language speakers, dancers, weavers and artists,
was the connection the staff had been looking for.
Confident and competent teachers in mainstream and traditional Aboriginal education, Aunty Julie and
Aunty Corina began yarning with the staff about the many possibilities to explore the land beyond the
perimeters of the centre. Exploring outside the gate and engaging in a process to create a woven eel and
fish trap provided many intentional and spontaneous teaching experiences for the children and adults to
learn from.
The children were active in the eel and fish trap process, from picking the reeds of long grass, to soaking,
splitting and weaving them with the support and guidance of the Aunties.
As they worked, the Aunties sang with the children and talked about caring for the land and what is needed
to ensure the parkland continues to flourish. Staff worked alongside the Aunties and the children, learning
the skills and processes needed for weaving and taking in what they could, so they can continue the
conversations and cultural learning experiences well into the future.
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Aunty Julie Bukera is a traditional owner and custodian of the Darug Nation.
Aunty Corina Marino is a traditional owner and custodian of the Darug Nation.
ABOUT THE KU ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER
PROGRAMS TEAM
The Manager is Gisella Wilson, a Wiradjuri woman
with a commitment to ensuring Aboriginal children
have access to high quality early childhood education.
Deb Mann and Brigitte Mitchell are Cultural
Facilitators, supporting and facilitating the
development of Reconciliation Action Plans in KU
centres and much more.
Deb is a Wakka Wakka woman who has more than 30
years’ experience working with children and families.
OCTOBER 2017
She continues to improve the educational access and
experiences for Aboriginal children through her work
and relationships with local communities and early
education services.
Brigitte is an Early Childhood Teacher with experience
working in various cities and remote areas of
Australia. She is driven by her passion to learn about
and work towards reconciliation in early childhood
education and care.
www.ku.com.au
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