1. What is reconciliation?

Reconciliation Australia, the national expert body on reconciliation in Australia, defines reconciliation as ‘strengthening relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous peoples, for the benefit of all Australians... Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that reminds us that while generations of Australians have fought hard for meaningful change, future gains are likely to take just as much, if not more, effort.’ (Reconciliation Australia, 2019)
 
Reconciliation acknowledges the trauma associated with Australia’s colonial history, including land dispossession, forcible removal of children, loss of culture and language, violence and racism. It’s important to acknowledge these sombre aspects of Australian history. Only through acceptance and improved relations can we move forward and never repeat the mistakes of the past.
 

2. Reconciliation in Action

Your knowledge and beliefs form the foundation for building reconciliation in your service.
 
Tracey Simpson, in the online learning module Reconciliation in Action: Part 1 examines what reconciliation looks like in early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings.
 
‘There is no lock-step process for effective reconciliation in action in the early childhood education and care context. Reconciliation in action reflects adults, children, early childhood services and communities committed to growing knowledge, new relationships, ‘having a go’ and ‘doing things differently’.’ (Simpson, 2016)
 
Reconciliation requires action, but ways to embed reconciliation in ECEC contexts will be as different as the services themselves. Explore more ways to embed reconciliation with the Research in Practice title Acceptance, justice and equality: Exploring reconciliation in early childhood education and care, or learn online with the ECA Learning Hub with Reconciliation in Action Part 1 and 2.
 

3. Building your network

Sometimes, it can be difficult to know where to start. Common concerns include offending a person or community, or doing something wrong, or not knowing who to talk to. But there is a wealth of information and support to build your network of reconciliation champions:

• Reconciliation Australia’s Narragunnawali program supports schools and early learning services in Australia to develop environments that foster a higher level of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions, including the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

• Attend the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Reconciliation Symposium (10–11 May, Melbourne) to meet like-minded early childhood professionals exploring reconciliation within the sector. Travel scholarships are available to assist with travel costs to attend the event.

• Read the ECA and SNAICC - National Voice for our Children joint position paper: Working Together to Ensure Equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children in the Early Years.

• Join the ECA Facebook Group, ‘ECA Reconciliation Champions’ and become part of a network of like-minded ECEC professionals unpacking elements of reconciliation.

• Read free online Every Child articles exploring reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island cultures and histories. 

4. Advancing reconciliation

Reconciliation is an ongoing journey that cannot be fully encapsulated within a single event, webinar or online learning module. It is a commitment for organisations and individuals to continuously learn, with the intention of working collaboratively to improve equality and equity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children.
 
Consider developing a Reconciliation Action Plan, which is a formal statement and framework developed in partnership with Narragunnawali and outlines an organisation’s commitment to reconciliation. View ECA Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan: Embed, Enable and Strive here.