This was an innovative way for LCC to mark the important day and connect with carers in a coronavirus-safe way.

The session was led by Jen, an Aboriginal Cultural Worker at LCC who provides cultural advice and facilitates training for both LCC staff and prospective carers of Aboriginal children and young people.

Jen started by talking about her own personal journey as a proud Palawa and Bunurong woman, with family also from Cape Barren Island, and the significance of Aboriginal Children’s Day.

“I touched on my own story of being adopted, and the importance of having a foundation of connection to culture, community, Country and language,” Jen said.

“Sometimes when people have questions they feel uncomfortable asking, because they don’t want to cause any offence.

“By first sharing part of myself, I wanted our carers to know that they were in a safe space. You don’t know what you don’t know, and I wanted them to feel comfortable to ask their questions.”

The discussion included ways that carers can keep children and young people of various ages connected to community, culture and Country.

“What works for a 2 year old is not always right for a 14 year old, and our carers were particularly interested in ideas for younger children,” Jen said.

Jen suggested a range of practical tools such as YouTube resources, stories in language available online, artwork, age-appropriate music and visualisations with Aboriginal pictures and symbols.

She also reassured carers that anything they do to support cultural connection is important.

“My experience with new carers is that they can feel overwhelmed and nervous about causing more trauma to Aboriginal children if they can’t properly support their connection to culture,” Jen said.

“Just having that thought process shows me that they are sensitive to the importance of connection and identity, and it’s about working with them to move forward and build a strong cultural foundation for the child or young person in their care.

“Even if a carer is unsure of the child’s exact community or language group, they can still do other things to make a difference and support the child’s Aboriginal identity.

“My main message was that connection to culture is not just something we do on Aboriginal Children’s Day. It’s not just an event or visit to a park, it’s the things we do 24/7, 365 days a year.

“I also encouraged carers to take time to go and sit on the land with the child or young person. It doesn’t need to be a big deal… it can be as simple as sitting in the backyard on Country.”

A small group of carers attended the session on the day, which has now been viewed by approximately 75 carers on their private LCC Facebook group.