EREA First Nations Education Conference
Learning on Country, Leading for Change: EREA First Nations Education Conference
The inaugural EREA First Nations Education Conference was held last week, with more than 70 EREA educators from across the country attending. The conference theme, Learning on Country, Leading for Change, reinforced the understanding that all educators have a responsibility to walk alongside First Nations peoples and communities, listen deeply, build and sustain authentic relationships, and create meaningful change through education.
Professor Marnee Shay encouraged participants to move beyond deficit thinking and instead recognise the strengths, capabilities and aspirations of First Nations students and communities.
Professor Martin Nakata's reflection on education as an instrument of restoration and liberation invited colleagues to consider how faithfully schools express the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice in their daily practice.
Tammi Webber extended this challenge through the Pedagogy of Difference, asking educators to focus not on changing First Nations students to fit educational systems, but on transforming educational systems to enable First Nations students to flourish.
The conference highlighted several powerful themes that emerged across presentations and discussions. Delegates consistently emphasised the importance of authentic relationships, trust, reciprocity and cultural safety as foundational elements of First Nations education. Presentations by Dr Antoinette Cole, Dr Mayrah Dreise and Tawana Carmody reinforced that cultural safety is not a standalone initiative, but a commitment to ensuring every learner experiences belonging, respect and recognition. School showcases and spotlights demonstrated how these principles can be translated into practice through local partnerships, student voice, community engagement, and approaches that honour First Nations knowledges, histories and cultures.
The quality of prayer and ritual, keynote presentations, school showcases and shared learning opportunities provided participants with valuable insights into effective First Nations education practice, while also creating meaningful opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the EREA network. As one participant reflected, “I felt affirmed and challenged - a healthy dose of both”, highlighting the importance of celebrating progress while recognising the work that still lies ahead.
The metaphor “Don't rush the river” resonated strongly, reminding participants that meaningful change requires patience, trust and sustained commitment built through respectful partnerships.
While the conference has ended, its impact lives on through the relationships strengthened, the learning shared and the collective commitment to creating educational environments where First Nations students, cultures and communities can flourish.
The Conference is one of the strategic areas of the EREA Reconciliation Action Plan and EREA Strategic Directions
