“Stay in your lane.”
It’s a phrase that’s often thrown around in the world of cultural education — but one that’s not always well understood.
For me, staying in my lane is not about limitation. It’s about accountability, integrity, and respect. It’s about knowing who I am, where I come from, and what knowledge I can rightfully share.
Knowing Where Your Knowledge Comes From
As a Wiradjuri woman, I draw from my own cultural teachings, stories, and experiences. I don’t speak for other Nations, nor do I ever try to. Instead, I share my perspective to help early childhood educators understand the importance of building their own local relationships — with Elders, language holders, and community members connected to the Country they live and work on.
True cultural learning isn’t about collecting knowledge; it’s about connecting with people. It’s about knowing whose stories you’re telling, and whether you have permission to tell them at all.
Why Educators Also Need to Stay in Their Lane
For educators, staying in lane means recognising that embedding Aboriginal perspectives isn’t about decorating your classroom or doing a craft activity tied to NAIDOC Week. It’s about embedding cultural ways of knowing, being, and doing into your everyday practice — with authenticity, consent, and care.
That might mean saying:
- “I don’t know enough yet.”
- “Let’s find out who to ask.”
- “This isn’t mine to share.”
It takes humility to pause and seek guidance, but that humility is where the real learning happens.
Integrity Over Intention
I often meet educators with the best intentions — they’re eager to do the right thing, but haven’t yet developed the understanding to do so safely. This is where I come in.
Through Koori Curriculum, I help educators lay the groundwork before reaching out to community. We begin with professional learning that focuses on why embedding is important — exploring the concepts of belonging, identity, equity, and social justice.
Once a foundation is in place, educators can then build partnerships with local people in a way that is respectful and reciprocal. That’s integrity in action.
The Limits of Representation
No one person can represent all Aboriginal knowledge or experience — and anyone who claims to is overstepping. Australia’s First Nations cultures are diverse, layered, and place-based. My responsibility is to model good practice, not to be the sole voice.
That’s why my work focuses on helping educators develop their own confidence and competence to engage with their local communities safely. When we each stay in our lane, we make space for others to do the same — and that’s when genuine collaboration can occur.
A Shared Journey
Staying in your lane isn’t about exclusion; it’s about connection through respect. It’s a reminder that reconciliation isn’t a race, but a relationship — one built on deep listening, mutual trust, and cultural safety.
If we each honour our responsibilities, acknowledge our limits, and remain open to learning from others, we collectively move closer toward an education system that reflects the true spirit of this Country.
Because reconciliation doesn’t need one loud voice. It needs many honest ones — each walking their lane with care.
If your team is ready to deepen its understanding of what it means to embed Aboriginal perspectives respectfully and with integrity, join one of our upcoming Koori Curriculum workshops or explore the Koori Curriculum Club for ongoing professional learning and reflective practice.
