Embedding Culture Through Play: A NAIDOC Week Feature
Embedding Culture Through Play: A NAIDOC Week Feature
Written by Jackie Bennett
Kamilaroi, Bigambul woman and co-founder of Connecting the Dots through Culture
As NAIDOC Week approaches, we reflect on the incredible opportunity we all have to share and celebrate the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, not just during one week of the year, but every single day.
" Hi, I’m Jackie Bennett—a Kamilaroi, Bigambul woman from St George, QLD—and proud co-founder of Connecting the Dots through Culture. We love our ongoing collaboration with Tara Treasures and how their beautiful, handcrafted resources support educators to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives every day. "
Jackie's Top Picks for NAIDOC WEEK (and beyond)
1. Green Sea Turtle Life Cycle Set
This felt set helps share the deep cultural significance of turtles in both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures—linked to Dreamtime stories and Legends, ceremony and celebration and connection to Mother Earth, Country, and sea.
2. Australia Under the Sea 1, 2, 3 (Book & Puppet Set)
Perfect for introducing Torres Strait Islander perspectives through playful storytelling with familiar sea creatures and numbers.
3. Waru & Dhangal Visit the Torres Strait Islands
Born from our cultural collaboration, our beautiful book and puppet set brings Waru (Sea Turtle) and Dhangal (Dugong) to life as they journey home to Thursday Island.
It's a story of identity, connection, and coming home, brought to life through felt storytelling tools that children can hold, move, and imagine with.
Whether it’s these products or others from the Tara Treasures range, thinking outside the box and pairing them with books already in your own library can be a powerful way to scaffold learning and support your Future Old People to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures.
This NAIDOC Week, Let’s Go Beyond the Poster
NAIDOC Week is a celebration, but it's also a call to action. As educators, carers, and community members, we have the privilege (and the responsibility) to ensure that our Future Old People , our children, grow up connected to the stories of this land.
So let’s think beyond worksheets and wall posters. Let’s bring culture to life through play . Let’s nurture connections through storytelling, puppetry, and open-ended exploration.
Because when we embed culture through play, we embed it in the heart.
The Author : Jackie Bennett
Cultural Consultant and Educator, Connecting The Dots Through Culture
With extensive experience across education and community sectors, Jackie is committed to supporting the engagement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in mainstream services. She works with Early Childhood Educators, family support agencies, and Government Departments to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in their practice, creating culturally safe and inclusive environments for all.
