In this episode of Educator Yarns, we sit down with Hayley Callaghan, a dedicated cultural officer and early childhood educator at Learning Pathways in Toowoomba.
Hayley, a proud Kamilaroi woman from Goondiwindi Country, shares her profound journey of cultural rediscovery and how she's transformed her personal exploration into meaningful educational practices.
From raising over $500 through a Where It Yellow fundraiser to implementing the Aboriginal Eight Ways of Learning pedagogy, Hayley demonstrates how one educator's passion can create ripple effects throughout an entire learning community.
As a mother of five who grew up disconnected from her cultural roots, Hayley's story resonates deeply as she discusses the challenges and triumphs of fostering cultural understanding in mainstream early childhood settings.
Her candid insights about building relationships with families, supporting fellow educators, and creating culturally safe environments offer practical wisdom for anyone seeking to authentically embed Aboriginal perspectives in their practice.
Key Takeaways:
- Personal cultural journey matters - Hayley's experience of rediscovering her own Kamilaroi heritage whilst teaching demonstrates that educators are learners too, and authenticity comes from acknowledging we're all on a continuous learning journey
- Start with connection, not perfection - Building genuine relationships with Indigenous families begins with simple invitations and regular communication, even if uptake is initially low
- The Eight Ways of Learning pedagogy - Hayley is actively working to unpack and implement this Aboriginal pedagogical framework throughout her centre, showing how Indigenous ways of knowing can enhance all children's learning
- Visible cultural presence creates belonging - Strategic use of hallway displays, provocations with natural materials, and welcoming signage helps families know they belong from the moment they enter
- Challenge requires courage - Overcoming the perception that focusing on Aboriginal culture excludes others required direct conversations with staff about ensuring all cultures are valued and represented
- Time constraints are real but manageable - As a working educator with limited cultural officer hours, Hayley emphasises the importance of planning and preparation to maximise cultural learning opportunities
- Community connections amplify impact - Attending cultural events and building relationships with local Indigenous community members like Tiffany provides invaluable support and authentic learning experiences
- Children as cultural leaders - Hayley's seven-year-old son's enthusiasm for cultural dancing and her older son applying to be his school's cultural leader shows how educator passion transfers to the next generation
- Nature as teacher - Getting outside and connecting with Country provides inspiration and authentic contexts for cultural learning that can't be replicated indoors
- Include Aboriginal perspectives regardless of enrolment - Teaching on Aboriginal land means embedding Indigenous perspectives is essential whether you have Aboriginal children in your service
Hayley's journey reminds us that creating culturally rich early learning environments doesn't require perfection—it requires heart, humility, and a willingness to learn alongside the children and families we serve. Her story demonstrates that when educators embrace their own cultural learning journey, they create authentic spaces where all children can develop strong cultural identities and deep respect for Aboriginal ways of being, knowing, and doing.
Whether you're just beginning to embed Aboriginal perspectives or looking to deepen your current practice, Hayley's practical strategies and honest reflections provide a roadmap for meaningful cultural inclusion. Listen to discover how one educator's commitment to cultural learning is transforming not just her centre, but inspiring the next generation of proud, culturally aware young Australians.
Have a question for Educator Yarns? Call 02 5300 0306 and leave a voicemail with your early childhood query about embedding Aboriginal perspectives, and you might hear your question answered in a future episode.
Resources discussed in this episode:
- Wear it Yellow
- Koori Curriculum & Bush Kind Australia Events
- Koori Curriculum Professional Development
- Bush Kindy Australia Professional Development
- Reconciliation Australia
- Narragunnawali
- 8 Ways of Learning
Connect with Jessica Staines:
- Koori Curriculum
- Koori Curriculum Educator Community
- Shirley Pearl & Her Bush Friends
- The Koori Curriculum Club
- Koori Curriculum Events
Connect with Hayley Callaghan:
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