In this episode of Educator Yarns, we sit down with Sue Currell, an early childhood teacher from rural Cobden, Victoria, who has spent over 25 years transforming how Aboriginal perspectives are embedded in early learning settings.
As a proud Gunditjmara woman who discovered her Aboriginal heritage later in life, Sue brings a unique perspective to reconciliation and cultural education. Working with a vibrant group of 16 children in the Narang room (meaning 'sun' in local Dhauwurd Wurrung language), Sue demonstrates how authentic Aboriginal education goes far beyond tokenistic activities.
From her early days attending workshops with Aunty Fay Muir to becoming a driving force for cultural change across her organisation, Sue's journey exemplifies how one educator's commitment can ripple throughout an entire community.
Her nomination as Educator of the Year beautifully captures her impact: "When you walk through Sue's classroom, Aboriginal culture is part of the day-to-day programme… You can hear and see a balance of traditional, contemporary, urban, regional and local perspectives through her holistic approach to teaching."
Key Takeaways:
- Start small and authentic - Focus on one aspect that resonates with you, whether it's learning about local seasons or animal names, rather than trying to implement everything at once
- The Eight Ways of Learning framework - Use this pedagogical tool to ensure all children can access learning outcomes equally, regardless of their preferred learning style
- Create resource repositories - Sue developed a digital 'wall' where all educators can access Aboriginal stories, songs, and resources shared by Koorie Preschool Field Officers
- Six seasons curriculum - Learn how incorporating Indigenous seasonal calendars creates meaningful connections between children, Country, and community throughout the year
- Building genuine partnerships - Success comes from actively seeking connections with local Elders, attending cultural events, and most importantly, listening to Aboriginal voices
- Document and share knowledge - Prevent valuable learning moments from being lost by systematically collecting and sharing resources with your teaching team
- Embed culture in daily rhythms - From morning acknowledgements to using Dhauwurd Wurrung language for local animals, make Aboriginal perspectives part of everyday practice
- Tell truth-telling stories gently - Use resources like Adam Goodes' 'Birrarung's Country' to introduce concepts of colonisation in age-appropriate ways
- Connect with families meaningfully - Share your Aboriginal education journey with families weekly and invite them to contribute their own cultural knowledge
- Recognise it's an ongoing journey - As Sue quotes from Banjo Clarke's wisdom: "It's not like a jigsaw that at some point one day the jigsaw is complete"
Sue's story reminds us that embedding Aboriginal perspectives authentically requires patience, humility, and genuine commitment to learning. Her transformation from having minimal resources 20 years ago to creating a classroom where Aboriginal culture breathes through every experience shows what's possible when educators take an active rather than passive approach.
Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your practice, Sue's practical wisdom and heartfelt dedication offer a roadmap for creating truly inclusive early learning environments where all children can see themselves reflected and valued.
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:
- "Sharing: Our Place" By Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Lawson
- "Family: Our Place" By Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Lawson
- "Respect: Our Place" By Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Lawson
- "Always Was, Always Will Be" By Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Lawson
- "Back On Country " By Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing
- “Wisdom Man” by Banjo Clarke
- Possum Skin Pedagogy: A guide for Early Childhood Practitioners by Sue Lopez Atkinson
- 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 Sue Currell:
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