This session, Dhuralba Wanggaranya (Walk Together), explores culturally grounded, relational, and trauma-aware healing practices with children, drawing upon First Nations knowledge systems. Guided by the understanding that healing is collective, embodied, and deeply rooted in Country, this 90-minute session offers a reflective and practice-oriented journey for educators, practitioners, and community workers who support Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori children.

 

Grounded in the principles of connection, rhythm, identity, and relationship, the session unpacks seven interwoven elements of Indigenous healing: connection to Country, cultural identity and strength, relational healing, intergenerational storywork, rhythmic regulation, holistic and collective care, and ceremony as cultural safety. These principles are explored through interactive discussion, grounding practices, storywork, and yarning circles that honour both local knowledge and broader Indigenous worldviews.

 

Participants are invited to reflect on their own experiences and practice contexts, and to consider how to embed culturally safe and trauma informed approaches that support children’s healing. Through small group activities and storytelling, participants develop insights into how First Nations led frameworks can restore safety, strengthen identity, and foster resilience in children affected by trauma, disconnection, or systems of harm.

 

This session affirms the strength and wisdom of First Nations healing practices, offering practical tools and cultural reflections to support transformative work with children. It centres healing as an act of walking together led by community, grounded in culture, and guided by the voices of children, families, and Elders.