There are more educational resources exploring Aboriginal culture available than ever before.
But there's an important question educators should be asking:
Who created them?
A product featuring dots, Aboriginal-style symbols or the colours red, black and yellow isn't automatically an authentic Aboriginal educational resource.
Look beyond the design
Before purchasing a resource, consider:
Who designed it?
Is the creator Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander?
If not, was it developed through genuine collaboration?
Is the artist or creator clearly credited?
Is information provided about the cultural context?
These questions can tell you much more than the appearance of the product.
Aboriginal Australia isn't one culture
One of the biggest risks with educational resources is presenting Aboriginal culture as though it is the same everywhere.
Australia is home to many distinct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations, communities, languages and cultural practices.
A resource should never replace learning about the Country and community where your school or service is located.
Instead, resources can provide a starting point for broader learning.
For example, our Natural Stampers – Aboriginal Symbols can be used as a starting point for exploring symbols, but educators should also build children's understanding that symbols and meanings can vary between Aboriginal groups and contexts.
You can read more in our blog Learning About Aboriginal Symbols in the Classroom.
Avoid tokenism
A shelf containing Aboriginal resources doesn't automatically mean Aboriginal perspectives are meaningfully embedded.
Consider how those resources are actually being used.
Are they available throughout the year?
Do educators understand their context?
Are they connected to children's learning?
Are Aboriginal voices represented in books and other materials?
Are educators continuing their own professional learning?
Does your service have relationships with local Aboriginal community?
Support Aboriginal creators and businesses
Purchasing decisions matter too.
Choosing resources created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people helps ensure Aboriginal people have agency over how culture and stories are represented.
It also supports Aboriginal businesses, creators, families and communities economically.
Riley Callie Resources is 100% Aboriginal owned, and supporting Aboriginal creators and businesses is central to what we do.
We actively seek educational resources created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses and creators, as well as resources developed through genuine partnerships.
Five questions to ask before buying
Before adding an Aboriginal educational resource to your classroom, ask:
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Who created it?
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Is the Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander creator clearly acknowledged?
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What cultural context accompanies the resource?
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How will we use it to support meaningful learning?
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What additional learning or local community knowledge should sit alongside it?
Authenticity isn't about finding the perfect product.
It's about making informed choices, recognising Aboriginal authority and ensuring the resources children encounter respectfully represent the world's oldest continuing cultures.
Explore Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander educational resources at Riley Callie Resources.