Barfa Bear Child Care Centre

At Barfa Bear Child Care we understand and value the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, and teaching practices towards reconciliation in Australia. We believe that unity is the key for building a better future for all Australians. The power of education and a strong community relationship can change the future  by lowering inequalities and inequities and raising awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and continuing contributions. We will continue to promote ways to engage children, families and all involved in early childhood education to become culturally responsive and to actively respect the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the Land. We are committed to supporting our early learning community to build a strong relationship with other organisations and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as we work together towards reconciliation. We will support the children under our care and their families to reflect upon previous and current events involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, as well as to understand the impact of such events and experiences on past, present and future generations. We will also continue to acknowledge the strengths and resilience shown by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and communities in the face of discrimination and to celebrate the continued significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contributions in shaping a shared sense of national unity and identity. Further, we recognise that, as stated in the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (2008) Article 14,  Indigenous Peoples have the right to stablish and control their educational system, provide education in their own language and value aspects of their culture for learning and teaching. We therefore commit ourselves to facilitating access to culturally responsive and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led education, and to ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the opportunity to engage in education without discrimination.