Hi.
Culture and being inclusive in the childcare/ early education setting is the same for all families.
The point of respecting culture is understanding that ALL families have their own culture. Each family culture is different and each individual family culture should be respected and each families expectations should be integrated into your plan.
All families for example- have different ideas about allowing their child access to comforters; feed their children differently (like organic or with restrictions like no gluten); allow different behaviours (some allow super-heroe play and some don't); use different strategies to teach children right and wrong; have different ideas about controversial topics (eg- guns- some families allow gun play as a parent may be in the army or a police officer); have different religious beliefs; different languages; different countries and histories (indigenous families fit here- but they are the same as all families in the fact that in each indigenous family, is different and each family raises their children differently too); as well as families with children with additional needs (ESL, ASD, ADHD, allergy and anaphylaxis etc)
The point of pointing out a sense of belonging for indigenous families is seen as inclusive, except while focusing on the indigenous background, it is easy to forget that this family is individual too. Indigenous topics are due to the fact that the government must support the original land owners to integrate into the 'invasion' community. Just remember they are people too and want the same respect as everyone else.
We must however educate the rest of the children in your program about the indigenous community, and this should also be done with respect. Ask your indigenous families to participate; direct you to the correct resources that they see as the right ones for their traditional families. Doing dot paintings,making boomerangs etc may be seen as disrespectful, so get to know your families and work out how to present their culture with respect.
All families need to feel a sense of BELONGING and you should (get to know) understand each family and each child on an individual level to provide a space that they can settle into easily; where the family feels comfortable; and where the children can relax to BE themselves, practice current skills; and to BECOME something more.
I hope this helps.
It shouldn't be being, becoming, belonging... It should be Belonging- Being- Becoming
