Koorie teaching resources

Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country

The Welcome to Country and Acknowledgment of Country guide includes the basic protocols involved in conducting a Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country.

The protocols support you to maintain meaningful relationships with your local Koorie communities.

Download the guide to Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country (docx - 1 (docx - 3.6mb)

The guide has been developed in partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Education Association.

More information is available on the Department policy for the use of Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country.

Protocols for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture

Teachers must follow protocols for teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

The protocols seek to protect the integrity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural expressions in a way in which all Australians can engage respectfully and feel connected to this identity.

For more information, see Protocols for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is held on 4 August each year and is coordinated by the Secretariat for National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care.

It is a time for early childhood services and schools to celebrate the strengths and culture of Koorie children, as well as learn about the important role that community, culture and family play in the life of every Koorie child.

Resources for holding your own event

Early childhood services and schools are encouraged to hold their own event to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. For further information, and for resources and ideas:

National Apology to Australia's Indigenous Peoples

The National Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples on behalf of the Australian Parliament was delivered by the then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, in Parliament House Canberra, on 13 February 2008.

The National Apology is a significant event in Australia’s history and the anniversary provides opportunities for schools to plan appropriate events or activities.

The full transcript and video of the speech is available on Australian Government website, see Apology to Australia's Indigenous peoples.

For further resources including ideas for events and links to the AusVELS curriculum see: National Apology to Australias People - School Resources (docx - 530.93kb)

Teaching Aboriginal languages

The Aboriginal Languages and Cultures Victoria website contains information on:

  • setting up a school language program
  • background information on language reclamation
  • links to the AusVELS Aboriginal Languages, cultures and reclamation in Victorian schools
  • standards P-10 and protocols
  • a collection of resources and links
  • sample units to assist language teams in the development of their lessons.

For more information, see Aboriginal Languages and Cultures Victoria.

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