Merri Community Child Care Centre & Kindergarten Inc

Merri Community Childcare and Kindergarten Inc.’s vision for reconciliation begins with our acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia.  We acknowledge the past and ongoing impacts on families, cultural identities, lands and waters, languages, and communities on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples because of colonisation.  This true shared history affects all people, and we continue to work toward developing all children’s, educators and families’ understanding of the ways in which colonisation and racism continue to impact First Nations peoples.

We also acknowledge that reconciliation is about valuing and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures and strengths.  We continue to build upon authentic and respectful relationships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and respectfully learn their perspectives, histories, languages, and stories, as well as celebrate achievements. 

We realise the importance of including children from a young age, to grow and learn and build a deeper understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to create a future for all children and their families that is equal, equitable, and just and promotes the wellbeing of all Australians. 

Our vision for reconciliation is informed by our principles of inclusiveness, diversity, and community, as well as our commitment to uphold the United Nations Convention on Rights of the Child and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

We understand that reconciliation is a continuous and evolving process.  We continue to increase our knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and our commitment to bringing our vision to life through every aspect of our curriculum and through each member of staff in meaningful ways.