Children's Acknowledgement of Country - Lifelong Learning Centres

Summary

In this heartfelt video, Tina from Milestones Early Learning, an Indigenous woman from Far North Queensland, shares a beautiful daily ritual with children at her center. The practice involves acknowledging and thanking the Indigenous people for their land, and making a promise to care for the land, animals, and people. Tina leads the children through a series of interactive greetings with the land, sky, themselves, and friends, promoting respect for the environment and community. It's an engaging and educational experience designed to connect children to the culture and the world around them.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tina introduces herself as an Indigenous woman from Far North Queensland, representing the Garam a tribe.
• 😀 The practice shared is used daily with children at Milestones Early Learning centers to foster cultural understanding and appreciation.
• 😀 The practice begins with an acknowledgment of Indigenous peoples for sharing the land, animals, and resources.
• 😀 The chant emphasizes respect for the land, animals, and people through a commitment to care for them.
• 😀 The interactive chant includes actions that engage children physically and emotionally in the learning process.
• 😀 Children are encouraged to say 'hello' to the land, sky, themselves, and their friends, promoting connection and inclusivity.
• 😀 The activity is designed to be simple and engaging, making it easy for children to follow and participate in.
• 😀 The message of the chant is about gratitude, respect, and responsibility towards nature and community.
• 😀 The format allows children to understand Indigenous cultural practices in a fun and interactive way.
• 😀 Tina invites families to try this practice at home, encouraging cultural learning beyond the classroom setting.

Q & A

What is Tina's background and connection to the indigenous culture?

Tina is an indigenous woman from Far North Queensland and belongs to the Garam tribe. She shares her cultural perspective and teachings in the video.

What message does Tina convey regarding indigenous land?

Tina expresses gratitude towards the indigenous people for sharing their land and promises to look after the land, animals, and people.

What is the significance of the greeting 'hello land, hello sky, hello me, and hello friends'?

This greeting is part of an educational activity for children, promoting respect for the environment and connection with others, encouraging mindfulness of land, nature, and community.

What action does Tina encourage children to take during the greeting?

Tina encourages children to physically interact with the environment by cuddling the land, reaching up to the sky, and giving themselves and their friends a hug.

How does Tina suggest families can engage with the content at home?

Tina invites families to try the activity at home, encouraging them to practice the greetings and actions with each other.

What is the purpose of the repetition in the script?

The repetition helps reinforce the key messages of gratitude, connection, and respect for the land and community, making it easier for children to remember and engage with.

How does Tina incorporate indigenous cultural values into the activity?

Tina emphasizes the importance of respecting the land, animals, and people, which reflects indigenous cultural values of stewardship, care for the environment, and community bonds.

Why does Tina suggest giving a 'cuddle' to the land and sky?

The 'cuddle' is a symbolic gesture of care and respect, encouraging children to feel a personal connection with nature and the environment in a playful and meaningful way.

What role do the 'friends' play in the activity?

The 'friends' are part of the inclusive message, inviting children to connect with others and foster a sense of community and friendship during the activity.

What does the repetition of the phrases 'hello land' and 'hello sky' represent?

The repetition of these phrases is a way to engage children in an interactive learning experience, fostering mindfulness and a deeper connection with the natural world.