About us

Reconciliation

Listening. Learning. Walking together.

Reconciliation is about building better relationships between the wider Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the benefit of all Australians. A commitment to Reconciliation is a commitment to creating an Australian culture that acknowledges and deeply respects Australia’s First Nations Peoples as a fundamental part of our nation's identity.

Our commitment

We work actively to recognise and respect Australia’s First Peoples and promote Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Through our actions and the relationships we nurture, we aspire to influence and support schools to embrace Reconciliation.

We are determined to progress in meaningful and sustainable ways, to create for children in our schools, a reconciled Australia.

Our journey

Since our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Journey began in 2014, we have launched our Innovate RAP (2015), our first Stretch RAP (2019) and our second Stretch RAP (2023), demonstrating the AISSA’s continued commitment to deepen our knowledge and advocate for truth-telling.

We are proud that our Stretch RAP has challenged us to take action.

Download our Stretch RAP 2025- 2027

first nations woman and children iStock-2195245699

Supporting our member schools

We encourage our members to listen and learn from Australia's First Nations People and consider their role in Reconciliation.

A RAP represents a formal commitment and outlines actions to advance Reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community. As they become ready, we support each of our schools to explore building their own RAP.

Member support

Indigenous secondary students mentor program

Since 2015, the AISSA has offered a mentoring program for First Nations secondary students in Independent schools. Funding to support this program is provided as part of the Australian Government's Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

The program provides relevant and engaging mentoring that aims to foster social and emotional wellbeing, identity development, and positive educational outcomes. This is provided at no cost to the AISSA’s member schools and First Nations students in secondary years.

first nations uni student iStock-498865768

MEMBER SUPPORT

East Arnhem Land cultural immersion program

Every August, the AISSA invites SA Independent schools to participate in the East Arnhem Land Cultural Immersion Program.

Through immersion, the program encourages participants to connect with Country and engage and learn from Yolngu Knowledge Holders.

Participants gain insights to enhance Reconciliation initiatives within their communities and broaden their understanding of integrating First Nations perspectives into education through a range of hands-on activities:

language and social structure: Yolngu language lessons and kinship structures
art: basket weaving, making paint from clay, traditional dancing, jewellery making
traditional food and wellness: bush tucker, making fire, traditional fishing and bush medicines.

This is a life-changing learning opportunity.

Each year, the AISSA supports two staff members to attend the immersion program. This commitment aims to embed an understanding of First Nations’ perspectives across all areas of our work.

For upcoming registration dates, continue to check our news page.