Why Educators Use This Course
Introducing the concept of Traditional Custodians requires cultural understanding and careful teaching approaches.
This course helps educators:
— explain the concept of First Nations Countries
— introduce the role of Traditional Custodians
— connect local geography with Aboriginal cultural knowledge
— guide classroom discussions about respect for Country
— build early cultural awareness in Kindy classrooms
Consequently, educators can help children understand that Aboriginal peoples have cared for the land for many generations.
Classroom Lesson Plan Included
This course includes a structured 40-minute Kindy classroom lesson plan that introduces the concept of Traditional Custodians and local Country.
The lesson begins by helping children think about the place where they live. Students explore local landscapes such as rivers, mountains and beaches. These discussions help students understand that land has long cultural meaning.
The lesson then introduces Yuwi Country, helping students recognise the Traditional Custodians of the Mackay region. Students explore how natural landmarks such as the O'Connell River, the Clarke Range mountains and the coastline helped define traditional boundaries.
Educators receive a professionally prepared lesson brief with teaching guidance, discussion prompts and creative activities designed for early learning environments.
Curriculum Alignment
The included lesson guidance supports the Personal and Social Capability of the Australian Curriculum (Foundation level).
Learning activities support the development of:
— respect for others and cultural diversity
— social awareness and community understanding
— empathy and responsibility for the land
Therefore, educators can introduce First Nations perspectives while supporting key early childhood learning outcomes.
Developed with First Nations Cultural Guidance
This course forms part of the First Nations Capability Gateway and has been developed with guidance from First Nations educators and cultural trainers.
The program supports respectful teaching of Indigenous knowledge while recognising the importance of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property. Cultural knowledge is shared with appropriate context so educators can confidently introduce Aboriginal perspectives.
Yuwi Country and Traditional Custodians
Teaching Respect for Country in Kindy Classrooms
Yuwi Country and Traditional Custodians helps educators introduce young learners to the concept of Traditional Custodians and First Nations Countries. The course provides cultural context, educator guidance and classroom resources designed for early learning environments.
Many children grow up learning about towns, cities and states. However, every place in Australia also belongs to a First Nations Country. Therefore, this course helps educators introduce the idea that Aboriginal peoples have cared for their lands for thousands of years.
Through storytelling, discussion and map exploration, children begin to understand the importance of Country and cultural responsibility. As a result, students learn to recognise and respect the Traditional Custodians of the land where they live.
What Educators Will Learn
This course provides both cultural understanding and classroom teaching guidance.
Educators explore:
— how Aboriginal nations defined their lands using natural landmarks
— how rivers, mountains and coastlines helped identify Country
— the role of songlines, language and cultural knowledge in navigating land
— the importance of respecting boundaries between different nations
— ways to introduce the concept of Traditional Custodians to young learners
Importantly, the course helps educators explain these ideas in ways that are meaningful and respectful for early learners.
Local Country Connection
The lesson focuses on the Mackay region and introduces students to Yuwi Country. Maps and visual resources help students understand how different Aboriginal nations lived across the region.
Students also explore the geography of the Mackay area and how local landscapes connect to Aboriginal cultural knowledge.
Through this approach, students begin to understand that the land where they live has a long cultural history and has been cared for by Traditional Custodians for thousands of years.
Teaching Resources Included
When you enrol in this course, you receive:
— educator professional learning on Traditional Custodians and Country
— a structured Kindy lesson brief ready for classroom delivery
— teaching guidance for introducing local First Nations Country
— discussion prompts suitable for young learners
— classroom reflection and creative activities
— supporting cultural background resources
These materials allow educators to introduce First Nations perspectives with confidence.
Course Investment
This professional learning course includes educator training and a complete Kindy classroom lesson plan with supporting teaching resources.
Course Price:
$150 + GST
Begin Teaching with Confidence
Help Kindy students begin understanding Traditional Custodians and respect for Country.
