Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

In this blog series, Little J & Big Cuz’s Miss Chen shares practical Foundation to Year 2 classroom ideas. In today's activity, her students learn more about natural and processed materials in Foundation Science.  

NAIDOC Week is an annual celebration that honours the cultures, histories and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In today’s article, we explore the 2026 theme 50 Years of Deadly, share links to the free resources that have been developed for teachers, and highlight 3 schools around the country who are celebrating NAIDOC Week in their own unique way. 

A collaborative study involving Aboriginal Elders, families, educators and children across 3 urban schools in Perth, Western Australia, is working to deepen Aboriginal children’s understanding of, and pride in, who they are by strengthening their connections to culture, Country and kin. Professor Cheryl Kickett-Tucker from Curtin University tells us all about the Moombaki Cultural Learnings Project and the impact it is having on Aboriginal students.

We know our audience are always keen to hear from experts in the education field. In this episode of Teacher Staffroom, we bring you our latest updates from Teacher columnists, important research updates, and more. 

It’s National Reconciliation Week this week – a time for Australia to consider how we can all contribute to reconciliation in our country. In this Q&A, Reconciliation Australia highlights why this week matters, curriculum resources available for schools, and how you can keep the momentum going beyond National Reconciliation Week. 

National Reconciliation Week kicks off next week – a time for all Australians to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. In this edition of 5 further readings, we share 5 resources on the topic of First Nations education.

Teaching assistants (TAs) and other specialist support staff are important resources in a school. In this edition of Researching education: 5 further readings, we share 5 resources on this topic, including guidance reports designed specifically for leaders and a report on the role of Aboriginal Education Workers.

‘While intergenerational trauma remains a reality, we are also seeing powerful examples of intergenerational success.’ Dr Jennet Hansen from Sevenoaks Senior College in Western Australia tells us about the Follow the Dream program, how she encourages students’ connections to their culture and Country, and the impact it has had on their learning, achievement and post-school pathways. 

How can teachers meaningfully integrate Indigenous perspectives? In this expert Q&A, Indigenous curriculum specialist Melissa Serrurier discusses culturally responsive teaching, making the shift from tokenism, using authentic resources, and the ways schools can respectfully build and sustain genuine partnerships with local communities.

As a school leader, have you consulted your students, staff and community members on the topic of student attendance and engagement? New research has explored First Nations student engagement and attendance in remote Australian schools by gathering valuable insights from those on the ground.