On this page, you’ll find a variety of links for First Nations information to assist in embedding Aboriginal perspectives in your service.

These tools are designed to empower and support educators to make informed decisions on seeking information from Aboriginal communities and people.

Aboriginal terminology

There is not one preferred term for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and you will notice the various terms used in the resources. It is best to ask local community members and families attending your service about preferred terminology. For example, some children and families will identify as being Aboriginal people; some may identify as being from the nation they belong to, like Kamilaroi or an Awabakal; some may refer to themselves as being a Koori or a Murri. In your service, use the same terminology as children and their families. 

For more information, please refer to the below documents:

• Quick read: Narragunnawali - A Guide to Using Respectful and Inclusive Language and Terminology
• Longer document: NSW Health’s Communicating Positively: A Guide to Appropriate Aboriginal Terminology
  

Aboriginal Nations across the Hunter New England footprint

Hunter New England provides a service across the following Aboriginal Nations;
- Gomilaroi                    
- Yallaroi
- Anaiwan                      
- Darkinung
- Wonnarua                   
- Gaewegal
- Nganyaywana             
- Banbai
- Ngoorabul
- Bundajalung
- Gumbainggir
- Thungutti
- Awabakal 
- Kamilaroi 
- Worimi 
- Biripi 

Local Aboriginal organisations, services and programs

We have started to collate a list of local Aboriginal organisations that can support ECS. 

This is not an exhaustive list and if you have more organisations that you would like to add, then get in touch with our team. 

Culturally significant events 

Every year there are events that are significant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities, and culture. We encourage your service to acknowledge these dates. To help acknowledge these events, we developed a handout for each of the significant culturally significant events. Each handout contains information about the event, as well as Munch and Move activities to acknowledge the event.   

We developed an accompanying guide to use with the handouts. This accompanying guide provides general information about culturally significant events, how to use the handouts, as well as links to the EYLF and the Quality Standards.   

• 26 January – Australia Day 
• 12 February – The Freedom Ride 
• 13 February – Anniversary of National Apology Day 
• 26 May – National Sorry Day 
• 26 May - 3 June - National Reconciliation Week 
• 4 August – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 
• 9 August – International Day of the World’s Indigenous People 
• 13 September – Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Day 

The culturally significant events listed below have dates and themes that change annually. Use the link in the resource to confirm the date and theme each year.  

• Close the Gap Day 
• NAIDOC Week 
• Indigenous Literacy Day 
• Harmony Week 

Building Partnerships with Aboriginal communities and services

Building partnerships with local Aboriginal community and services is critical for ECS. Local Aboriginal community and services can help you develop a culturally responsive service delivery for Aboriginal children. SNAICC is the national voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.  
 
SNAICC has a suite of resources that can support your service to develop relationships with Aboriginal partners. These resources include strategies and actions, as well as an audit tool for measuring genuine partnership goals.  

Be mindful that Aboriginal organisations and community members may have competing priorities and are often conducting unpaid work to support the cultural continuity in communities.