A respectful starting point for embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in education
This free course, curated by Phoenix Support for Educators, has been intentionally designed as a starting point for educators who are beginning their learning journey in embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into philosophy and practice.
It is not a replacement for the rich, in-depth learning created and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations. Those voices, knowledges, and place-based experiences must always sit at the heart of genuine reconciliation and culturally responsive practice.
Instead, this course responds to a real and growing need identified through our work with educators across rural, remote, inner city, suburban and diverse communities, including educators new to Australia. Many shared that they simply didn’t know where to begin; having had little or no exposure to Australia’s First Nations histories, including the Stolen Generations and the ongoing impacts of colonisation.
This course offers a carefully curated introduction, drawing on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, trusted resources, and national frameworks. It aims to build foundational understanding, confidence, and clarity, so educators feel better equipped to take their next steps - including engaging in deeper, localised learning guided by First Nations people in their own communities.
Develop initial knowledge and confidence in embedding First Nations perspectives
Understand why this work matters beyond compliance
Reflect on your role in truth-telling, reconciliation, and cultural safety
Begin embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into your philosophy and daily practice in meaningful ways
Engage with this work through cultural humility, reflection, and ongoing learning
This course aligns with national priorities and expectations under the EYLF V2.0, MTOP V2.0, and the National Quality Framework, recognising that education settings have a shared responsibility to foster respect, understanding, and inclusion for all children and young people.
Importantly, this learning is not about ticking a box. It is about beginning a journey grounded in respect, reflection, and action - one that honours the voices, wisdom, and strength of Australia’s First Nations Peoples.
You are warmly invited to use this course as a platform for ongoing reflection, deeper engagement, and continued learning alongside local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and educators.
From history to healing - here’s how we walk together
We honour and acknowledge the First Nations artists whose artworks and cultural symbols are featured throughout this document and the supporting course via the Canva platform. These visual elements represent rich, living stories of connection to Country, kinship, identity, and knowledge systems.
We recognise that these designs are not simply decorative; they are expressions of culture, sovereignty, and creative continuity. We are grateful for the opportunity to include them, and we pay our respects to the artists, their communities, and the cultural Custodians who have carried these traditions across generations.
These designs are made accessible through partnerships that ensure royalties support the artists and their ongoing work. We encourage all who engage with these artworks to do so thoughtfully and with cultural respect.
This course acknowledges that uncertainty is a natural part of learning. You are not expected to have all the answers or to be “perfect.” Instead, the focus is on reflection, cultural humility, and taking thoughtful, respectful steps forward. Learning in this space is ongoing, and mistakes are part of growth when approached with care and openness.
Rather than providing a checklist or one-size-fits-all approach, this course supports you to think critically about your context, community, and role. It encourages reflective decision-making and guides you to seek local, place-based knowledge from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations relevant to your setting.
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