Cheeky Emus Aboriginal Cultural Workshop
An immersive, age-appropriate Indigenous cultural experience for early learning centres.
Language. Story. Song. Sustainability. Respect.
Meaningful Indigenous Education — Delivered with Heart and Authenticity
Directors are looking for more than a token activity. They want:
- ✔ Genuine cultural connection
- ✔ Age-appropriate Indigenous content
- ✔ Alignment with EYLF outcomes
- ✔ Respectful storytelling
- ✔ Engaging, hands-on participation
Cheeky Emus provides a structured, immersive cultural journey led by a professional performer with personal ancestral connection to Murrawarri Country.
What Happens During the Workshop?
Welcome & Acknowledgement
Children begin by learning:
- Why we learn greetings when visiting new places
- Local Aboriginal greetings:
- Dharawal: Nagumbi (Hello)
- Dharug: Warami (Hello)
- Words for land and sky:
- Ngura (Land)
- Bura (Sky)
This opening establishes respect for Country and cultural awareness.
Children take an imaginary 11-hour road trip to Brewarrina, learning about:
- Murrawarri Country
- The Ngurrunj (Emu)
- Family, ancestry, and belonging
- The idea of travelling respectfully across lands
This storytelling builds geographical awareness and identity.
Language Through Song & Dance
Thirri Yanna Purlilli (Shoo Fly)
An energetic Murrawarri song and dance.
Guya Ngarra (Bring Fish to Us)
Children learn a traditional-style fish dance while playing:
- Clap sticks
- Emu callers (Bumbidj)
- Kangaroo skin drums
- Boomerangs (Mali)
This section supports:
- Rhythm development
- Cultural vocabulary
- Motor coordination
- Cooperative music-making
Sustainable Traditions & Emu Eggs
Children learn about:
- Respectful harvesting practices
- Sustainability
- Only taking what is needed
- Caring for Country
This connects directly to EYLF sustainability outcomes.
Ochre & Totem Story
The workshop concludes with:
- Demonstration of natural ochre
- Explanation of how it becomes paint
- Sand goanna totem painting
- Introduction to X-ray art
Children see how storytelling is embedded in art and identity.
Educational Outcomes
Aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework:
✔ Outcome 1: Children develop a strong sense of identity
✔ Outcome 2: Children connect with and contribute to their world
✔ Outcome 3: Children develop a strong sense of wellbeing
✔ Outcome 4: Children become confident and involved learners
✔ Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
This workshop supports:
- Cultural competence
- Respect for First Nations peoples
- Language exposure
- Sustainable thinking
- Emotional intelligence
- Rhythm & musical development
- Gross and fine motor skills
Delivered by a Performer with Personal Ancestral Connection
This workshop is:
- Developed in consultation with family and community
- Delivered with lived cultural connection
- Designed specifically for early childhood
- Structured, engaging and professionally facilitated
- Fully insured & WWCC compliant
Unlike passive incursions, Cheeky Emus is interactive.
Children sing. Dance. Play instruments. Speak language. Move. Reflect.
They are not watching — they are participating.
Suitable For:
Ages 2–6
Duration:
30–45 minutes
Group Size:
Whole centre or split groups
What We Provide:
- All instruments
- All props
- Sound equipment
- Structured session
- Post-session director summary (if you want to include that)
More Than a Performance — A Cultural Experience
Cheeky Emus creates a respectful, joyful and meaningful introduction to Aboriginal language, storytelling and sustainable practices.
We aim to foster understanding, pride, curiosity and connection — laying the foundations for lifelong cultural respect.