Empowering Aboriginal Children
Cultural Sensitivity Warning
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.
Please note: Throughout this website, the term 'Aboriginal' respectfully refers to both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We respect the preference to use this term in written and spoken language to acknowledge all First Peoples of Australia. We also acknowledge that Torres Strait Islander peoples may refer to themselves as Zenadth Kes.
On this page, words including Country, Elder, Community and Culture are capitalised when used in the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to reflect their Cultural significance.
Acknowledgement of Country
Skip to descriptionWe acknowledge the Aboriginal peoples as the First peoples of South Australia and as custodians of the lands, waters, skies and Communities where we live, learn and raise children. We recognise Aboriginal peoples as having the longest living Culture, raising children safe and strong in their identity, Community, Culture, and connection to Country.
We pay our deep respects to Elders past and present, and their role as the first knowledge-sharers for children. We follow in their footsteps. Aboriginal peoples, working with and for children, are central in shaping our work. Their wisdom, advice, and guidance enrich our practices, creating a more inclusive and Culturally safe environment for children and families.
We respect Aboriginal peoples’ ways of being, doing and wise practices guiding our continual learning. Together we walk and build stronger, more supportive communities for all children.
We invite you to watch and listen to our Acknowledgement of Country, developed in collaboration with our Aboriginal Leadership Committee.
These words honour the wisdom and guidance that enriches our work with children, families and Communities.
For parents, families and carers
Supporting your child to grow up strong, healthy and connected to Culture and Community.
For educators and providers in the early childhood sector
Supporting your work with Aboriginal children, families and Communities.
Aboriginal Early Childhood Strategy
The Office for Early Childhood Development works in partnership with Aboriginal leadership, Community and the early childhood sector to empower Aboriginal children to grow up strong in Culture, identity and Community across South Australia.
Central to this work is the Aboriginal Early Childhood Strategy, which strengthens how we engage Aboriginal children, families and Communities in early childhood education and services.
OECD's Aboriginal Leadership Committee
The Aboriginal Leadership Committee was established in 2024 to provide Cultural advice and guidance across the Office for Early Childhood Development. The committee brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff from across the organisation who share their Cultural knowledge, perspectives and expertise to help shape policies, programs and projects.
The committee's guidance has been instrumental in shaping the Aboriginal Early Childhood Strategy and the broader work of the OECD. We thank the committee members for their ongoing contribution to this work and across broader OECD reforms.
Have a question?
Contact us via email: OECD.Engage@sa.gov.au