Embedding Aboriginal Perspectives Through Art in the Classroom

This 1.5-hour webinar created by Grounded in Country invites educators to explore meaningful, respectful, and authentic ways to embed Aboriginal perspectives through art in the classroom.

Presented by Baihe Butcher from Grounded in Country, the session will feature firsthand insights offering a powerful perspective on how art can be a pathway to deeper understanding, connection, and learning. Participants will hear directly from an Aboriginal voice about the importance of moving beyond tokenistic approaches and instead creating learning experiences that genuinely honour Aboriginal cultures, histories, and knowledges.

Activities and strategies shared will be mapped to the Australian Curriculum and the Early Years Learning Framework, helping educators meet curriculum objectives while also fulfilling policy requirements for embedding Aboriginal perspectives in teaching and learning.

Throughout the webinar, we will explore practical and thoughtful approaches to engaging with Aboriginal content, including:

• Using texts by Aboriginal authors and illustrators

• Learning about local Country and contemporary Aboriginal artists

• Understanding that cultural protocols vary across Countries

• Respectfully inviting local Aboriginal artists into your classroom

This session is designed to support educators in building confidence and cultural understanding, while fostering authentic learning experiences that are grounded in respect, context, and lived experience.

What’s Included

All participants will also receive classroom-ready resources from Riley Callie Resources shipped to them prior to the event, valued at over $60 to support immediate implementation:

• A 30 pack of Aboriginal Symbol Flash Cards

• A copy of the picture book -Shirley Purdie, Ngaginybe Jarragbe (My Story) - Told in English and Gija, this is the story of Shirley Purdie, famous Gija artist, as told through her paintings, as part of the Ngaalim-Ngalimboorro Ngagenybe exhibition created for the 2018 National Portrait Gallery exhibition So Fine: Contemporary women artists make Australian history.

Join us for this engaging professional learning opportunity and take the next step in embedding Aboriginal perspectives in ways that are respectful, authentic, and meaningful. Secure your place today and walk away with practical strategies, deeper understanding, and ready-to-use resources for your classroom.

About the facilitator: 

Baihe Butcher, a proud Kamilaroi woman from Scone, is committed to embedding Aboriginal perspectives into education. Holding a Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) (Honours), she leads initiatives that support teachers and inspire students through culturally responsive practices. Baihe’s innovative programs have increased student engagement, improved outcomes for Aboriginal students, and strengthened connections between schools and communities.

As the founder of Grounded in Country, she extends her impact beyond the classroom—offering cultural education, practical resources, and guidance to help create culturally safe and inclusive learning environments. Baihe’s leadership and passion continue to shape education across the Upper Hunter, empowering educators and students through meaningful, transformative learning.

Riley Callie Resources is dedicated to amplifying First Nations voices in the education space and is proud to partner with Grounded in Country to bring you this workshop.

Please note if you cannot attend this session live, a copy of the recorded session can be emailed to you after the event.