Footprints Early Learning Centre

At Footprints Early Learning Centre, we walk together on a journey of reconciliation a path of reflection, respect, and renewal. We acknowledge the Gumbaynggirr people as the Traditional Custodians of the Land on which we learn, play, and grow. We pay our deepest respect to Elders past and present, and we honour the continuing culture, wisdom, and connections the Gumbaynggirr people hold with this land, sky, and sea. Our vision for reconciliation begins with  a shared commitment to listening, learning, and building genuine, respectful relationships with First Nations peoples and communities. We recognise that reconciliation is an ongoing journey that involves acknowledging past injustices, valuing deepening our learning and understanding in the present, and co-creating a future where truth-telling and mutual respect are central. Our centre’s practices reflect our respect for the land as teacher, and we seek opportunities to respectfully embed Gumbaynggirr language, stories, and perspectives throughout our curriculum and environment. We will continue to build and sustain strong relationships with Gumbaynggirr Elders and community members, guided by their voices and leadership in meaningful and culturally appropriate ways. We embed cultural safety and awareness in everything we do as we move forward with purpose and accountability, ensuring that our vision is not only spoken, but lived. We are committed to creating an environment where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families, and community members feel respected, safe, heard, and celebrated. We carefully consider the resources we use ensuring they are authentic, inclusive, and representative of the diverse and living cultures of First Nations peoples. We are intentional with the language we use, recognising the power of words to either connect or divide, and we actively choose words that foster respect, understanding, and pride.