During this hands-on session, Yarn Strong Sista aims to leave participants with a greater understanding of Victorian Aboriginal culture and have the confidence to support and embed Aboriginal culture daily, as part of the education and care program. Early Childhood Professionals will have the opportunity to share stories and together, be inspired to make a commitment to share Aboriginal culture in their core curriculum.

Links to APST    Knowledge 1.4, 2.4   Engagement 6.2, 7.4

Links to NQS    QA1  QA5  QA6

This session will include:

• making the connections between Victorian Aboriginal culture and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)
• Victorian Aboriginal culture
• Tanderrum – safe passage
• possum skin cloaks – Walert Walert
• freedom fighters – our Victorian Aboriginal activists
• Aboriginal identity
• protocols of Aboriginal art and storytelling
• song – shared Aboriginal language hand-out
• storytelling
• art experience
• gift from Country – each participant will receive a piece of ochre
• action plan hand out.

Presenter: Annette Sax (Yarn Strong Sista)

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Annette has worked in the early childhood profession for over 25 years and holds an Associate Diploma in Social Science (Child Care). International experience working with anti-bias curriculum and anti-racist early childhood programs, along with her Aboriginal role models, have influenced Annette and inspired her to become an activist. She has worked at Yappera Children’s Service (MACS) and for the Department of Human Services as the Koorie Early Childhood Field Officer (KECFO). Now Director of Yarn Strong Sista, Annette feels blessed to be able to go out on Country to learn her traditions and stories from her Taungurung Elders. Annette is also a storyteller and an artist passionate about passing on the knowledge of her Elders.