Aboriginal Perspectives in the Early Years

Take inspiration from Annette Sax of Yarn Strong Sista who will help participants to gain a greater understanding of Victorian Aboriginal Culture. Through participation in this interactive, ‘hands on’ session, educators will be able to build their confidence in incorporating aspects of Aboriginal Culture in the curriculum, allowing the children and families within the service to enjoy and value Aboriginal perspectives and enhance their experiences.

Topics covered in this workshop:

• Aboriginal Identity
• “Aboriginal Elders as Teachers of the Environmental Knowledge” Dr. Sue Atkinson Lopez has given YSS permission to share her research from her PhD “Indigenous Early Childhood Curriculum & Self Determination in Victoria.”
• View a Possum Skin Cloak (Walert Walert) and learn about the importance and its many uses
• Learn about the Victorian Aboriginal Activists who were ‘freedom fighters’ in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s
• Protocols of Aboriginal Art and Storytelling
• Learn an Aboriginal song
• Contemporary storytelling using natural and recycled materials
• Aboriginal Art Experience
• Develop an Action Plan

Annette Sax is a Taungurung woman and has been operating Yarn Strong Sista, Aboriginal Education Consultancy, for 14 years. She has 24 years of experience working in Aboriginal Early Childhood Education. Annette is an Aboriginal early childhood educator, storyteller, artist and illustrator of 3 Aboriginal children’s books written by Yorta Yorta woman, Sue Atkinson.