This year’s National Reconciliation Week theme is ‘Bridging Now to Next’, which calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward, guided by past lessons.
With this theme in mind, our May webinar with Child Family Community Australia (CFCA) highlights the need to challenge the assumption of Western expertise that has dominated Australia’s colonial history and that has been imposed on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities. It also focuses on the importance of valuing and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have the right for their voice to be heard in matters that affect them, and may want to be involved in decisions relating to them. Centering the perspectives and experiences of children can provide a place for them to feel seen, heard and understood, while helping reinforce their cultural, social or personal identities. By practicing deep listening we can have more meaningful conversations and build deeper relationships with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families we work with.
Emerging Minds recognises and pays respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their ancestors and the Elders past, present and future from the different First Nations across this country.
We acknowledge the importance of connection to Land, culture, spirituality, ancestry, family and community for the wellbeing of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this website contains images or names of people who have passed away.
