The artist s Story - Growing strong together by Karen Briggs This is a story about the community of Gowrie SA growing strong together. The tree is used as a metaphor to show strength and growth, including the elements of land, water and air to reflect the Kaurna Nation as a natural living and growing symbol. The animals represent people from diverse family units; while the leaves and water offer a food source for some of the animals. The tree illustration portrays a place of shelter and nurture throughout the day and a place to sleep and shelter at night. Illustration by Karen L Briggs (Yorta Yorta) As the tree grows, it offers wellbeing for the animals along with a place to be nurtured, while the branches represent partnership and development through training, networking and mentoring. The tree drinks from the water and is warmed by the sun; enabling the tree to grow and develop strong foundations through its roots. The seed pods represent new beginnings and relationships for families starting their journey with Gowrie SA. The Kangaroo at the centre of the illustration represents Gowrie SA looking at the tree for inspiration. Page 1
Acknowledgments Gowrie SA is on Kaurna land and we acknowledge and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the First Nations people of Australia and that they are the traditional owners and custodians of the land and waterways throughout our country. Gowrie SA welcomes all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to our organisation Gowrie SA wishes to acknowledge and thank our Kaurna Elders Uncle Lewis O Brien, Aunty Josie Agius and Aunty Leonie Brodie who have walked with us in this journey and shared their knowledge and culture with us. We feel honored to share their wisdom. List of animals in Kaurna Language: Kardi - Emu Tamandi nurloni (beak curved) - Ibis Kauwilta (water possum) - Platypus Marrangayu - Turtle Kudlyu - Black Swan Tarnda - Red Kangaroo Pimpinna - Finch Kuula - Koala Tangku - Brown Snake Pilta - Possom Puddanya - Goanna Kunduli - Whale Page 2
Gowrie SA Reconciliation Action Plan 2013-2014 Our vision for Reconciliation We value and recognise the work and teachings of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities around Australia, and as such, we wish to share our vision for Reconciliation with you. Gowrie SA believes in the power of relationship. We believe in partnerships, wellbeing and the power of educators, children and families coming together to build a community of learners. We want to be an organisation that leads the way in building a better future which is based on stronger relationships between ALL Australians. As an organisation, we believe we can contribute to this future by raising awareness and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture. Through working together as a community, and including children from a young age, we can grow, learn and build a deeper understanding as together we walk the steps of the Reconciliation journey. Our journey is one we want to walk in partnership with our communities we want to raise awareness about Reconciliation, we want communities to journey with us as we seek to raise awareness of our Indigenous people as the oldest continuing culture in human history. We want communities to work with us as we develop an understanding about, and reflect upon, the injustices which continue to impact on our Indigenous people. We believe, as stated in the 2008 National Apology, that our Reconciliation journey is about creating a future based on mutual respect, mutual resolve and mutual responsibility. Our Commitment to Reconciliation We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the first peoples of Australia, the original owners and custodians of this land. We recognise the diversity and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in the face of the loss of land, children, languages, health and family and kin. We are committed to seeing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples recognised in state and federal constitutions. Early childhood services are uniquely placed to begin the Reconciliation journey with children and families we are committed to ensuring the contributions we make to Reconciliation are powerful and valuable. As an organisation, we are committed to building leadership capacity in the wider community, and nowhere is this more important than in our journey of Reconciliation. This is our second action plan. We ve learnt from the first plan, and we ve been privileged to see the changes that have come about in our organisation since we began. Like any great undertaking, our processes aren t static this is a living document, one which will grow and change over time, reflecting that Page 3
Reconciliation isn t a destination, it s a process - A process which acknowledges the past, understands the present, and embraces a future which is based on the co-existence of rights. Our Work Gowrie SA provides early childhood services for children and families, including kindergarten, childcare, playgroup, parenting support and community programs. Gowrie SA also supports the South Australian children s services sector (Out of School Hours Care, Long Day Care, Family Day Care) with professional learning and support to assist the sector provide quality services to their communities. Of fifty-seven employees, four staff identify as Aboriginal. Across the Children's Programs there are approximately four hundred families. Currently ten families identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Our early childhood programs recognise that relationships are central to the health and wellbeing of young children, and we acknowledge that the Kaurna land that we work, live and play on is key in shaping our understanding of relationship. We seek to grow in our understanding of the unique needs, interests, and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families. We know that the diverse and strong cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have been impacted by our shared colonial history, and we seek to work together to deepen our learning. Our Reconciliation Action Plan Gowrie SA started work on our second Reconciliation Action Plan in November 2012. This work is supported at the highest levels, championed by the Gowrie SA Board, our CEO and the senior leadership team with the goal that all of our staff throughout the organisation will embrace personal and professional responsibility for contributing to this vital work. Our work continues to be supported by Reconciliation Australia, Reconciliation SA, and a RAP Working Group with representation from parents, staff, and most importantly, local elders. We are always reviewing and shaping our Reconciliation Action Plan, and we consult with the local and wider community, and with children where possible too. Page 4
Our Philosophy Communities of Learners We believe in lifelong learning and give priority to creating opportunities for all members (staff, families, children) of our community to work together as learners. Our program approach provides children with a range of choices and lots of uninterrupted time to play. We are guided in our work by the State curriculum and by current research. We believe: Children have the right to play Children have the right to a rich learning environment Staff have the right to support in professional learning Families have a right to contribute their knowledge about their child and their world Partnerships Therefore we strive to: Learn together with families, children and other staff. Document learning and share information about what is happening in our community. Plan for and share children s joy in discovery. Be open to questioning what we do and why we do it. We believe a partnership approach to our work is an essential part of a high quality care and learning environment for each child. Our goal is to build relationships with each child and family ensuring everyone has the opportunity to feel valued, respected and supported. By sharing information about children s uniqueness, interests and experiences, we can work together to support each child to feel secure while they are with us. We believe: Everyone has the right to be involved and be heard Children, families and staff have the right to be consulted, informed, make choices and be acknowledged Everyone has the right to feel connected with each other and the wider community Page 5
Wellbeing Therefore we strive to: Ensure that children s and families perspectives and interests are central to our work. Take responsibility to keep connections alive by listening to and communicating with each other and being open to feedback. Ensure that a range of opportunities to participate and contribute are offered. We believe that one of our most important priorities is that each member of our community feels a strong sense of connection and belonging. Our work with children and families is guided by attachment theory. We want our community to be one that is enriched by the diversity of families, staff and children, and which provides a balance and range of experiences. We believe: Children and families have the right to primary caregiving practices and continuity of experience Children, families and staff have the right to a safe and healthy environment Everyone has the right to feel accepted and emotionally, physically and intellectually supported Therefore we strive to: Build secure relationships. Create an environment where everyone is listened to and responded to sensitively. Work in ways that ensures everyone s emotional and physical health and safety. Provide an environment that builds connections with nature and the beauty of natural materials. Page 6
Page 7 Relationships Respect Gowrie SA's philosophy makes a commitment to Reconciliation Australia s core objectives of Relationships, Respect and Opportunities, which is demonstrated throughout this plan. We believe that the future wellbeing of all Australians depends on respectful and positive relationships and a co-existence of rights between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. To achieve this we must engage with current issues for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, issues of social justice and equity. We need to understand how these issues impacted on our shared history, and how colonisation as well as policies and practices impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families today. We believe that part of our leadership role is to provide and promote curriculum innovation. We are committed to ensuring that our curriculum has a strong emphasis on social justice, and reconciliation based education. Everyone who attends our services the children and families, the adult clients, the training participants, and our community members now represent a future of hope and potential for a truly reconciled society. We recognise our role and responsibility to provide programs that are culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. Gowrie SA is on Kaurna Land, and there are stories, songs and sites which are particular to this area. We learn about, acknowledge and share local culture and traditions, as well as the cultural traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families using our programs. We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, cultures, languages, customs, stories and connections to place and country. This diversity has always existed, and is ever evolving; we respect and recognise this, and our Reconciliation Action Plan in turn evolves as our understandings deepen and grow. We acknowledge the impact of past Government policies, which have excluded the traditions, stories, songs and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. At a local and global level, there is growing awareness of the impact of the past and the possibilities for the future. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge is valued here, and we believe we have a responsibility to support practical awareness of this knowledge and reclamation of rights in our community. Using this knowledge benefits all our children and families, and we support our staff to develop deeper understandings of these rights and knowledge, and to work in partnership and uncertainty. We know the benefits and impact of high quality early childhood services for all children and families. We have a particular responsibility to support children and families in all circumstances of life, but most especially those children and families who are experiencing disadvantage. We seek
partnerships which allow us to learn and grow, and recognise that we have much to learn from our families, community, children and staff we are a community of learners. Opportunities In all that we do, we strive to be promoters and co-learners in exploring the notion of best practice. Nowhere is this more important than in our demonstration of the principles of reconciliation. Through the work that we do in our Reconciliation Action Plan - our thoughts, our words, our actions we will have opportunities to increase our knowledge and that of children, families, staff and community members. We want to enrich the education of everyone we work with through promoting fairness and equity, so that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures of our Gowrie community is proud and visible in all that we do. Page 8
Philosophy Area: Community of Learners Working in respectful relationships Page 9 Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Involving families in our centre in Reconciliation Action Plan planning and directions Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group; includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-indigenous staff members, and with senior level support. The Working Group will ensure there will be regular consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and the community Increasing staff knowledge and understanding of reconciliation so they can share this knowledge with children and families in order to advocate for reconciliation Program and Team Leaders Convener, Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group Convener, Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group Convener, Reconciliation Action Plan June 2014 Termly, 2014 March 2015 Termly, 2014 Twice a term, 2014 Reconciliation Action Plan information in children s folders, family newsletters, and documentation that reflects actions commitment through digital media. Families and staff engaged in purposeful ways including floor books, email, and consultation about actions. Inviting families to be involved in cultural awareness events, Yarnin Circles and other Aboriginal and Torres Islander events and programs that we hold. Minimum of four meetings per year. Annual report to Board and Reconciliation Australia. Dedicated Reconciliation Action Plan staff meetings three times per year and one professional learning closure day per year for all staff. Dissemination of readings, and research every 6 weeks throughout the year.
Working Group Develop an understanding of the impact of our history Develop educators and staff understanding of the history. All Program Leaders and Aboriginal Community Coordinator Termly, 2014 Review available information in the staff room, staff library, including books, DVDs, posters. Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through stories, music, art, cultural events and ceremonies with children, families and staff. All Program Leaders and Aboriginal Community Coordinator Term 2 and Term 4 2014 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders, musicians, artists and storytellers will be regularly invited to come in to share and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through stories, music, art and ceremonies with children and staff. We will encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to share their stories of their culture. Celebrate National Reconciliation Week to provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, children and families and non-aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff children and families to build relationships. All Team and Program Leaders May 2014 Organise at least one internal event to celebrate National Reconciliation Week. Page 10
Celebrate events such as: Anniversary of the Apology National Close the Gap Day Feb 2014 March 2014 National Sorry Day May 2014 Coming of the Light (Torres Strait Islander Festival) July 2014 NAIDOC Week Anniversary of the All Team and Program Leaders July 2014 Aboriginal Islander Flag July 2014 being flown 1972 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children s Day (SNAICC) August 2014 Indigenous Literacy Day Sept 2014 Torres Strait Islander Festival Birthday of David Unaipon Sept 2015 Sept 2014 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, language, stories and music will be incorporated into the curriculum in a focused way. Maintain a calendar of events We will strive to ensure the opportunity for staff, children and families to participate during significant cultural events such as NAIDOC Week, and National Sorry Day events, Aboriginal Children s day, and others outside of the organisation. Page 11
Develop an inclusive community within our organisation Long term plan developed by Children s Programs Leaders, Team Leaders and staff. The plan will include (among other things): Develop a long term plan to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures into the children s programs. Children s Programs Leaders, Team Leaders and Staff Term 1 2014 Resources (displays, puzzles, persona dolls, fabrics) Language, songs and stories Traditions, cultural celebrations and ceremonies Visits to and working with Art Gallery, Tandanya Exploring making a connection with a remote Aboriginal Children s Centre Envision what programs and rooms would look like as a inclusive program/space. 2014 Nepurla Groups and Staff Teams Closure Day, Nepurla Meeting and Staff Meetings to explore strategies. The organisation environment is culturally welcoming and safe. This would include; artwork and artifacts, positive images and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures, policy statement, welcoming and open communication from staff, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Recruitment processes that support reconciliation. CEO Program leaders Interview questions for every position that explore reconciliation and the applicant s understanding and commitment to it. Review questions for each position. Page 12
Develop an understanding of Kaurna culture and land Develop understanding through local cultural tours for staff, children & families. Program leaders Term 2 and Term 4 2014 Staff, children and families invited to attend local cultural tours. Develop and maintain our ongoing relationship with Kaurna Elders and Leaders. All Program Leaders and Aboriginal Community Coordinator Promoting and developing other Reconciliation Action Plans in our community Develop our own Reconciliation action session utilising our own staff to support other services to develop Reconciliation Action Plans. GTC Program Leader and GTC staff Work with the local Elders to enhance the children s programs by sharing local language and cultural experiences, art and cultural projects through a fortnightly visit by an Elder in Residence throughout the year. Elders invited to the AGM and Elders Lunch. Through our professional learning program we will offer professional development sessions to support services working on Reconciliation action and cultural awareness. Eight to 12 sessions per year will be undertaken in a calendar year. Promote Reconciliation Australia s schools RAP model to early childhood services. Page 13
Continue to develop professional learning sessions in cultural awareness for other services. GTC Program Leader and GTC staff Cultural awareness training packages developed and delivered by Gowrie SA staff. Dedicated promotion of Reconciliation action and the value to services and promotion of cultural awareness training to services. GTC Program leader June 2014 Increase interest and participation from other services in training opportunities, through active promotion via social media, e-news, website, etc. Reviewing our philosophy to be inclusive of Reconciliation. CEO and Program Leaders March 2014 Reviewed philosophy to include and embed our Reconciliation goals. Page 14
Philosophy Area: Partnerships Working in respectful relationships Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target We will work towards giving all families a stronger voice. Striving to ensure Gowrie SA is accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including families, Elders and organisations. Team Leaders CEO, Program leaders, Aboriginal Community development officer Standing agenda item at Team Leader meetings: Encourage our staff to become better at listening to families, especially Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, through sharing and exploring their unique context. Consider ongoing development of staff capacity for listening to families. Feedback of engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. Documentation of children s learning to support strong cultural identity and affirm what is important and valuable to a child and their family. Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to visit and participate in Gowrie SA activities to facilitate the potential intake of more Aboriginal families. Maintaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander networks with our community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. Survey growth in the number of Aboriginal families compare Jan 2011 with Jan 2012/ Jan 2013 with Jan 2014. Page 15
Develop staff knowledge about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and networks. Continue to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses. We will develop partnerships (sister organisations) with other centres. Program leaders and staff Program leaders and staff Program leaders Develop an understanding of our local community and who is in our local area Termly 2014 Term 1 & 2 2014 Staff develops knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations that can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander curriculum content. Resource list and pearl tree developed for staff to access. We will conduct an audit of, and seek quotes from, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander owned businesses that we could use, e.g. catering, printing, graphic design. Part of this process will be establishing authenticity of the businesses we use. Maintaining and using the business directory for all staff to access. Review quarterly. Increased use of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander owned businesses such as catering, printing, graphic design. For example, exploring relationships with local and other early childhood centres, for example sites in locations such as Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands so that children can experience relationships with other children in different settings. Children communicating with other early childhood centres. Consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders in the community and the local traditional owners. CEO Term 2 and as needed, 2014 Elders consulted about the Reconciliation Action Plan and subsequent measures as well as changes at Gowrie SA. Page 16
Explore Kaurna dreaming stories and culture. Program leaders Termly, 2014 Elders involved in our programs, sharing Kaurna language and knowledge. Develop an understanding of the impact of our history Continue to ensure all staff at our organisation are culturally educated. Continue addressing issues relating to awareness and respect across the organisation. CEO, Program Leaders, all staff 30 % of staff to undertake specific cultural awareness training annually. Staff using reflective journals and floorbooks as part of Nepurla projects (small groups of staff across the organisation exploring their cultural awareness and reflections on the cultural competence training and actions more deeply). Database of available training developed. Inviting families and the Board to attend cultural training. Staff accessing a variety of cultural awareness opportunities. Staff understand, consider and discuss the impact of non-aboriginal history and policies on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today to ensure inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within our programs. Page 17
Development of cultural content in our training packages and qualifications Program leader GTC Partnerships are identified with key, relevant organisations. Qualifications offered as outreach in a venue where we have strong relationships and where Aboriginal learners feel safe. Content is relevant to and representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners. Consultation takes place with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partner organisations and learners. Page 18
Philosophy Area: Wellbeing Working in respectful relationships Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Acknowledgement of the local land, Elders and traditional owners and any visiting Elders at meetings and gatherings. Ensure that Welcome and Acknowledgement to Country performed at significant events. Gowrie SA will create welcoming environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples. Program leaders and staff CEO and program leaders to monitor Program Leaders and all staff Administration Program staff CEO, Program leaders July 2014 Acknowledge the local land, Elders and traditional owners and any visiting Elders at most internal meetings, but where there are groups of people from outside the organisation it will always be undertaken. Create a decision making tool regarding when to undertake Acknowledgement and Welcomes. Staff understand the significance of a Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement. A Welcome and Acknowledgement is undertaken at significant events, such as an AGM, and organisation-wide significant events by whoever is most appropriate to do so. Programs, resources and displays throughout the organisation that are representative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and reflect a balance of traditional and contemporary images. Staff communicate in a culturally respectful and authentic manner. Display a map of Australia showing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander language maps and invite families to participate in the display by adding photographs and identifying their links to country. Strong and meaningful relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders are established, developed and maintained. Page 19
Develop an understanding of Kaurna culture and land Create bush tucker gardens, murals, sculpture, artworks etc. Establishment of strong symbolic representations of Kaurna culture and land. CEO, Program leaders CEO to establish a budget with approval and support of the Board. Program leaders to develop a list of possible artists and commission a first piece of work (with input from families). Acknowledgement plaque to be put at the entrance of each site. Creating Employment Opportunities and retention strategies for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Commitment to employ at least four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees in a variety of roles. CEO Program leaders Fulfill our commitment to the Australian Employment covenant to employ four Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. We will develop an affirmative action employment policy for employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Program Leaders July 2014 Affirmative action policy developed. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply in our advertisements for positions. Page 20
Develop a series of polices and strategies to support and encourage employment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We will develop and maintain culturally appropriate and flexible recruitment processes. CEO, Program Leaders December 2014 Where a position involves direct liaison with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, this may involve a process of "vouching" the suitability of the candidate within extended communities. Supporting program leaders to have cultural conversations with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff. Pilot project to offer cultural supervision to Aboriginal staff. Ongoing support of school based traineeships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Program Leaders Term 1 & 3 2014 Continue to foster formal arrangements/partnerships to assist with employment and traineeship at Gowrie SA. Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander trainee/s employed. We will make contact with Training institutions/high schools to host Aboriginal students as part of their training. Program Leaders Term 1 & 3 2014 Contact made with Training institutions to host Aboriginal students as part of their training. We will place Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students within all sections of the program (where appropriate). Page 21
Offer observation tours for organisations with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander focus for their clients as a way to encourage their clientele into Early Childhood as a career pathway. Develop an understanding of the impact of our history We will work as a staff team to understand the importance of Reconciliation and the impact of Australian Government policy on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Program leader CCD CEO and Program Leaders Program Leaders Students participating in centre tours to explore early childhood as a career pathway. Reflecting collectively as a staff group to develop and maintain deeper understandings of privilege and disadvantage in Australian history and society and how this impacts on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders people. Explore the engagement of our staff team in learning about Aboriginal and Torres Islander cultures through formal engagement in a unit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies offered through a tertiary institution, as well as informal means through readings and information sessions. Encourage staff currently studying at tertiary level to pursue Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander courses within their awards. Explore Aboriginal totems as a whole staff team to gain an understanding of their significance and meaning. Reconciliation Action group Staff are able to share information about totems and their significance. Page 22
Development of cultural policies and procedures Develop a policy that supports families to continue attending and allows for absences for cultural reasons. Children's Program leaders July 2014 A policy that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to fulfill cultural obligations by offering flexibility in allowable absences. Tracking progress and reporting Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Review Reconciliation Action plan CEO March 2015 September 2014 Documentation of achievements. Complete and submit the Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia, annually Monitor and refresh our Reconciliation Action Plan Reconciliation Action Working Group June 2014, Sept 2014, March 2015 Our Reconciliation Action Plan is monitored by our Reconciliation Action Working Group quarterly during meetings. Our Reconciliation Action Plan is reported on and refreshed at the anniversary of being registered with the support of Reconciliation Australia. Undertake Cultural Audits across the Organisation CEO to facilitate August 2014 February 2014 Monthly report for the Board outlining work towards the Reconciliation Action Plan. Gowrie SA Strategic Plan has an ongoing Reconciliation Action Plan Objective. Each staff member to complete an Individual Self Assessment And Reflection Tool annually. Contact details: info@gowriesa.org.au Page 23