Outdoor education offers a powerful opportunity to connect with Country—but this connection is incomplete without Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. At Bindaree, we believe meaningful outdoor learning must recognise, respect, and include First Nations voices.
Here’s why this matters and how schools can make outdoor education more inclusive, culturally aware, and place-based.
Why include Indigenous perspectives in outdoor learning?
Because Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Peoples and Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters across Australia. Their knowledge of land, sky, seasons, plants and animals is deeply connected to their identity, law, and culture.
Including Indigenous perspectives:
- Honours the Country where we teach and learn
- Deepens students’ connection to place and history
- Supports Reconciliation through understanding and respect
- Broadens worldviews beyond Western knowledge systems
How can outdoor education include First Nations knowledge respectfully?
It must be done with integrity and consultation. Here are key principles:
- Acknowledge Country at the start of every camp or session
- Partner with Traditional Owners or Aboriginal organisations wherever possible
- Use accurate, locally-relevant information
- Avoid tokenism (symbols without context)
- Respect cultural boundaries, including sacred sites and stories
Outdoor educators should engage in ongoing cultural awareness training and seek advice where needed.
Reference: Reconciliation Australia
How does Bindaree approach cultural inclusion?
Bindaree aims to build long-term, genuine partnerships with Aboriginal communities and educators. Depending on location and availability, our programs may include:
- Yarning circles or cultural talks from a local Elder
- Bush tucker and native plant walks
- Discussion of Indigenous perspectives on environment, community, and leadership
- Student reflections on what Country means to them
Each program is context-specific and designed with care to avoid overstepping cultural boundaries.
How can schools support Indigenous inclusion on camp?
Here are a few practical steps:
- Plan ahead and ask if cultural engagement is possible in your chosen location
- Encourage students to research Traditional Custodians of the land they'll visit
- Incorporate First Nations perspectives into camp journaling or pre-camp lessons
- Budget for guest speakers or cultural educators if appropriate
Most importantly, treat the process as an ongoing learning journey for staff and students alike.
What are the curriculum links?
Incorporating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives supports:
- The Cross-Curriculum Priority in the Australian Curriculum
- Personal and Social Capability and Ethical Understanding
- Sustainability and Place-based Learning in Science, Geography and HPE
It also contributes to a whole-school approach to Reconciliation and inclusion.
Want to include Indigenous perspectives in your next outdoor program?
Let’s start the conversation together—respectfully, thoughtfully, and in partnership.
Contact Bindaree Outdoor Education to explore culturally aware options for your next school camp.
Bindaree Outdoor Education acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we operate and pays respect to Elders past and present.