National Reconciliation Week (NRW) runs from 27 May to 3 June each year and is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to reflect on how each of us can contribute to reconciliation.

This matters because reconciliation supports safe, respectful and inclusive learning environments for children and young people – and strengthens trust and professionalism across education settings.

The 2026 theme, All In, is a call for all Australians to commit to reconciliation every day.

It reminds us that reconciliation

• is not passive
• does not happen by itself, and
• is not the responsibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples alone.

First Nations peoples have carried the responsibility of championing reconciliation for far too long. Meaningful progress requires all of us to take part.

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners

We know that teaching diverse learners can be complex, and that educators may not always have complete information about their learners.

It’s not always possible to know whether you have Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander learners in your teaching setting. Whether people choose to identify can be personal and complex. For this reason, it’s important to assume Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners are present in your teaching setting and plan accordingly.

Professional learning expectations

Professional learning undertaken for teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners should meet descriptors 1.4 and 2.4 of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (APST). Depending on the focus, professional learning may also address other APST descriptors.

When planning your teaching, consider

• how your teaching pedagogy supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners
• how your activities and approaches align with strategies known to be effective for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners, and
• what curriculum or practice modifications may support equitable access to learning.
   

Get involved in National Reconciliation Week

Each year, workplaces, schools, early childhood services and community groups across Australia host events to mark National Reconciliation Week.

You can

• search for event ideas for your school or early childhood service with the NRW Events Calendar
• create and register your own event with Reconciliation Australia.

Posters and teaching resources

There are many ways to support learning about reconciliation in your teaching setting. The resources below include teaching ideas for early childhood, primary and secondary learners, as well as professional learning for teachers

• Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated – curriculum and education resources
• Narragunnawali program – resources to engage learners in reconciliation between non-Indigenous Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Victorian Inclusion Agency – learn about the Inclusion Support Program and access educator resources
• National Reconciliation Week 2026 – access digital resources and posters
• Narragunnawali – learn about committing to a Reconciliation Action Plan
• Koorie Heritage Trust – explore art collections or register for cultural education workshops
• connect with your local Traditional Owner groups and centres to learn more about local inclusions you can make
• Yoorrook Justice Commission website – learn about the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Peoples in Victoria
• First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria website – learn about the elected body who represents Traditional Owners of Country and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Victoria
• The Healing Foundation’s resources for teachers and students.

Working together

Reconciliation is ongoing work. By being All In, we help build education settings that are safe, respectful and inclusive for everyone.

We appreciate the role educators play in supporting reconciliation and strengthening outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners.