Closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous educational outcomes starts at the individual school level. Enhancing the understanding, appreciation and connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in schools is big step towards ending Indigenous educational disadvantage. There are many ways for schools to strengthen their connection, some of which are listed below.

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Display the Flags

Fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at the front of your school.

Actively Seek Indigenous Employees

Actively seek Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff at all levels.

Administration Support

Encouraging a dedicated member of your College’s Administration team to actively support your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, parents, staff and wider community

Encourage Staff

Encouraging your staff who champion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educational and cultural activities

Develop Cultural Understanding

Seeking Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural immersion and training for all of your staff

Acknowledge Traditional Owners

Acknowledging your Traditional Custodians at events, in your school diary, newsletters, website etc.

Promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students' Achievements

Recognising and advertising your community’s great work with a dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander page on your school website.

Commemorate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Events

As a school, celebrating key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander events eg. Sorry Day, Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week and recognising these and other significant events in all of your school’s calendars

Establish Community Connections

Having a BBQ, forum or event with your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, school staff and Elders

Create a Welcome to Country Plaque

Speaking with your local Elders and community about a Welcome to Country plaque to be displayed at the entrace to the school

Create a Sacred Space

In consultation with your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community developing a sacred space or mural

Organise Indigenous Graduation Events

Having an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family Graduation night with certificates to celebrate the completion of each significant stage in formal education. One P-12 school had a local Aboriginal artist design certificates featuring different significant local animals for Early Years, Junior Years, Middle Years and Senior Years

Support all Students to Experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture

Develop an annual Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural experience or camp for one whole year level

Inspire Through Traditional Dance

Developing an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander school dance troupe

Encourage Networking

Actively seeking opportunities for your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to meet with students from other schools, Indigenous Education teams, tertiary institutions, employers, Elders and community organisations

Celebrate Indigenous Achievements

Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students’ successes and perhaps considering an annual award for demonstrated cultural pride and achievement. With permission, this award could be named in honour of a significant Elder

Create a Safe Space

Consider developing an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural room or safe space for students (NB - often a controversial topic at schools)

Make a RAP Plan

Develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). More information can be found here

Spread the Word

Create an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander newsletter each semester to inform your families and the wider community about your events and achievements.

Images from CulchaStik: Australian Indigenous Images

2023 Queensland Philanthropic Foundation Of The Year

2024 First Nations Philanthropy Award (National Finalist)