All in for reconciliation - building culturally safe and connected school communities

As Brisbane Catholic Education marks National Reconciliation Week 2026 with the theme All in, Zhanae Dodd, Aboriginal Cultural Tutor at Ngutana Lui, is inviting school communities to see reconciliation not as a moment in time, but as an ongoing commitment to relationships, learning and action. 

A proud Ghungalu, Garingbal, Birri, Wiri, Kaanju and Tahitian woman, Zhanae brings a rich and diverse background to her role - her life and career shaped by a deep connection to Country, culture and community. 

While her professional, creative and cultural experience is diverse, across each role, one purpose has remained central. 

“At the centre of everything I do is a commitment to community, culture, storytelling and creating opportunities for our people,” Zhanae said. 

In her role with BCE, Zhanae supports both students and staff through cultural education, workshops and community engagement, helping to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into everyday learning. 

“A large part of my work is creating culturally safe and engaging learning environments where students can connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and identities in meaningful and respectful ways,” she said. 

“For me, the role is about more than education, it’s about relationship building, truth telling, representation and ensuring young people feel seen, valued and connected to culture.” 

Zhanae said schools play a vital role in shaping how young people understand themselves and each other, and that actively supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and colleagues strengthens outcomes for everyone. 

“When schools genuinely invest in supporting our mob, it creates spaces where culture is valued rather than treated as an add on,” she said. 

“What is good for mob is good for all.” 

Creating culturally safe environments goes beyond visible symbols or one-off events. It is built through consistent, intentional actions that affirm identity, respect culture and build trust. 

“A culturally safe space is one where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families and staff feel respected, listened to and empowered to be themselves,” Zhanae said. 

“Often, cultural safety is felt in the small everyday actions - meaningful acknowledgement of Country, correct pronunciation of names, representation in leadership and students seeing themselves reflected positively in curriculum and school culture.” 

Zhanae highlights the importance of truth telling and creating space for respectful, sometimes challenging conversations about history and ongoing inequities, supported by strong relationships and care. 

National Reconciliation Week provides an important opportunity to pause, reflect and recommit to this work. 

“For me, it is a time to honour the strength and resilience of our people, while also acknowledging the histories and systems that continue to impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities today,” she said. 

“It is also a reminder that reconciliation is ongoing work.” 

With this year’s theme calling on everyone to be All in, Zhanae encouraged BCE staff to approach reconciliation with authenticity, humility and openness. 

“Reconciliation starts with relationships, listening and a willingness to keep learning, even when conversations feel uncomfortable,” she said. 

“People do not need to know everything to begin. Small, consistent actions in classrooms, workplaces and communities can have a lasting impact.” 

As BCE schools continue their reconciliation journey, Zhanae’s message is clear.  

Being all in means showing up every day, building genuine connections and creating environments where culture is celebrated, respected and embedded in the life of every school.