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 no single preferred term for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and you will notice a range of terms used in the resources on this site. It is best practice to ask local community members and the children and families attending your service about their preferred terminology. For example, some people may identify as being Aboriginal; others may identify by their nation, such as Kamilaroi or Awabakal; and some may refer to themselves as Koori or Murri. Within your service, choose the terminology preferred by your 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 collated a list of local Aboriginal organisations that can support ECS. 

This is not an exhaustive list. If you are aware of additional organisations that could be included, please get in touch with our team.

Culturally significant events 

Each year, there are events that are significant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their communities, and cultures. We encourage your service to acknowledge these dates. To support this, we have developed a handout for each culturally significant event. Each handout provides information about the event, along with Munch and Move activities to help acknowledge and engage with the event in meaningful ways.

An accompanying guide provides general information about the importance of acknowledging culturally significant events in early childhood, how to use the handouts, as well as links to the EYLF and the Quality Standards.   

• 26 January – Acknowledging January 26 in Early Childhood settings
• 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 Early Childhood Services. Local Aboriginal communities and organisations can support you to develop 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 to help services to develop and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal partners. These resources include practical strategies and actions, as well as an audit tool for measuring genuine partnership goals.  

It is important to be mindful that Aboriginal organisations and community members may have competing priorities and are often undertaking unpaid work to support cultural continuity within their communities.