Culture and Identity

Culture and identity is about children and young people understanding who they are and includes the history, social customs, rituals, values and spiritual beliefs that surround them as they grow.

What having a positive sense of culture and identity means to children and young people:

Supporting culture for children and young people means ensuring that they can learn about their family history and the history of their country of origin and country of residence. It means ensuring children and young people can be involved in different celebrations, religious rituals and customs, and have them respected and valued.

Identity is supported by allowing children and young people to make choices about how they understand and identify whether it be via religion, sexuality or gender, the way they dress, what they choose to eat, or how they live.

There is a lot of activity already underway across government and the community to ensure children and young people can express their culture and identity. For example, there are Aboriginal Educators in Child and Family Learning Centres and schools to help children and young people learn more about Aboriginal history and culture; programs to help students from other countries participate at school and in the community; and programs to help young people who may be struggling with their identity.

There is more to do and we want to hear your ideas to ensure children and young people can express their culture and identity...