With the theme ‘Bridging Now to Next’ for National Reconciliation Week 2025, it is a time to reflect and continue building momentum towards reconciliation in our schools and early learning services, workplaces, and broader communities. This theme invites all Australians to learn more about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and explore how everyone can contribute to promoting reconciliation in our everyday lives - in our homes, workplaces, and social circles.

AITSL’s vision for reconciliation is grounded in our purpose to support an education system that enables every learner to thrive, by fostering culturally responsive teaching and leadership, embracing continuous learning and unlearning, and embedding the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in all that we do.

We have put together some tools and resources for National Reconciliation Week to help with your reconciliation journey, including AITSL’s Indigenous cultural responsiveness self-reflection tool.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education

The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Teacher Standards) make clear the responsibility of teachers to meet the learning needs and aspirations of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and indeed all students. Focus Area 1.4 and Focus Area 2.4 of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers identify what teachers need to know and be able to do in order to teach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and to teach all students about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages, history and culture.

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Communicate and engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and carers

Work with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educators to plan opportunities for families to meet the teaching team or hold meet and greet events out in the community

Take a look at the article
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Illustrations of Practice

AITSL has a range of Illustrations of Practice to help you with advice and support in teaching about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, languages and cultures.

  • Implementing an Indigenous Language Program
  • Teaching an Indigenous Language
  • Early career Indigenous language teaching
  • Experiencing success
    • Using the Intercultural Development Self-Reflection Tool

    Indigenous cultural responsiveness self-reflection tool

    The tool will provide a guided process of critical reflection on assumptions, attitudes, beliefs and biases in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, languages and cultures.

    Use this tool to develop your awareness and understanding of how these may impact on your teaching practice and learner outcomes.

    Access the tool
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    Indigenous cultural responsiveness continuum

    The continuum provides a shared language and understanding of intercultural development while reflecting the non-linear process of building cultural responsiveness.

    Access the continuum
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    Indigenous cultural responsiveness capability framework

    Learn more about your current stage of intercultural development and find recommended actions to support your ongoing learning, so that you can improve your teaching practice.

    Download the framework
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    Reconciliation in education 

    Narragunnawali supports schools and early learning services in Australia to develop environments that foster a high level of knowledge and pride in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions.

    The Narragunnawali platform has activities that are designed to support teachers and learners explore the meaning and purpose of this year’s theme. The Narragunnawali platform is free to join and access.

    Check out the #NRW2025 curriculum resources for:

    Watch the on-demand Bridging Now to Next webinar and learn more as the Narragunnawali team unpack the #NRW2025 theme through conversation with Reconciliation Australia CEO, Karen Mundine.

    The Reconciliation in Education professional learning resources help build awareness and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and contributions: