Reconciliation Week is just around the corner, and with it comes an opportunity for all of us to reflect, learn, and take action.
This year’s theme, “All In for Reconciliation,” is a powerful reminder that reconciliation is a shared commitment. It doesn’t happen by chance; it happens through intentional actions, big and small, taken every day by individuals, classrooms, and communities across Australia.
Being “All In” asks each of us to consider our role. It reminds us that every effort matters, and that meaningful change is built collectively. Reconciliation is everybody’s business and this year provides an opportunity to reflect on the part that each of us play.
The Role of Teachers in Reconciliation
Many educators are already making thoughtful contributions to reconciliation in their daily lives. But in the classroom, the impact of a teacher goes even further.
Teachers are often among the earliest and most influential role models in a child’s life. The choices we make, what we teach, how we teach, and the perspectives we include all help shape how young people understand the world.
The small, intentional actions we take today can create lasting ripples into the future. By embedding respect, understanding, and truth in our classrooms, we are helping to build a generation that values strong, positive relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.
One Action Can Make a Difference
A common question we hear from teachers is: “What can I do that is meaningful?”
The answer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one action - something intentional that reflects your commitment to reconciliation, and build from there. Don’t worry about how big your action is - small actions add up and any action is better than no action. Having a yarn and sharing stories of people who are taking action are perfect places to start. At the end of the day, we want to give students an opportunity to recognise that each and every one of us has an important role in reconciliation.
Here are some practical ways to get started in your classroom or school:
All In for Reconciliation Bingo
Check out our free All In for Reconciliation Challenge. This free downloadable challenge includes both our Classroom Challenge and Family challenge. Each includes 9 activities that support your class or family to contribute to reconciliation and think about steps they can take to be All In For Reconciliation.
Keep Learning
Commit to deepening your own understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and perspectives.
This might include:
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Engaging in professional learning
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Reading books by First Nations authors
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Following First Nations educators, organisations, and media
Ongoing learning strengthens confidence and ensures your teaching is respectful and informed.
Use Authentic Resources
Take time to review the resources you use in your classroom.
Ask:
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Does this resource identify the knowledge holders?
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Can it be traced back to a First Nations source?
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Was it created by First Nations people?
Choosing authentic resources is a key way to show respect and ensure cultural integrity.
If you are a Wingaru Kids subscriber you have access to our Reconciliation lesson. This lesson is updated each year to reflect the current theme and includes video, lesson plans, and printable activities to get students thinking about the role we can all play in reconciliation.
If you are looking for more reconciliation resources, head over to the Wingaru Store and check out our All In for Reconciliation box - it features 8 deadly resources that share story, encourage thought and celebrate change makers.
Bring First Nations Learning into Your Space
Add a new First Nations resource to your classroom. This could be:
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Books
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Posters
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Flash cards
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Games or activity packs
These resources act as everyday conversation starters and help embed Aboriginal perspectives as a natural and valued part of learning. Not sure where to start? Check out the range of resources Wingaru has on offer - yarn cards, STEAM activities, language resources, games and more - something for every classroom!
Share Stories of Change
Introduce your students to individuals who have contributed to the reconciliation movement. You can do this by inviting local people into your classroom or using a resource like our Change Maker posters; our Didge Ya Know Political History Information Cards or the book ‘This Book Thinks Ya Deadly’ by Corey Tutt.
Explore:
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What it meant for them to be “All In”
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The actions they took
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The impact of their choices
These stories help students see that change is possible and that everyone has a role to play.
Create Space for Yarning
Prioritise meaningful conversations in your classroom. These conversations are so so so important.
Yarning provides an opportunity for students to:
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Build understanding of Aboriginal cultures and histories
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Reflect on fairness, respect, and relationships
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Explore what reconciliation means in their own lives
Engage Your School Community
Reconciliation extends beyond the classroom.
Consider how you can share your learning with your wider school community:
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Communicate your approach to Aboriginal education
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Share resources or ideas with families and invite them to be part of your school’s Aboriginal education activities.
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Encourage others to reflect on their role
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Share our free Family Reconciliation Challenge with your school community to get everyone involved and learning.
Being “All In” means using your influence to bring others along on the journey.
Take the Next Step
If your school is ready, consider developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
A RAP provides a structured way to embed reconciliation into your school’s practices, relationships, and culture. Reconciliation Australia have resources to help with this and if you are looking for more support sing out to the Wingaru team and we can support you on this journey.
Every Action Counts
Reconciliation is not a single event or a one-week focus, it is an ongoing commitment.
This Reconciliation Week, being “All In” doesn’t mean doing everything. It means doing something with intention, respect, and a willingness to keep learning.
Because every action, no matter how small, contributes to a future built on trust, understanding, and strong two-way relationships.