The Pyjama Foundation is very proud to have progressed on our path of greater awareness and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples and cultures. Our Reconciliation Action Plan is an exciting progression, as we continue to formally and publicly acknowledge our commitment to shaping a more inclusive Australia, while allowing us to focus on new opportunities.

In  2020,  The  Pyjama  Foundation made a  further commitment on the path to greater awareness and inclusion of  Aboriginal and  Torres  Strait  Islander peoples and cultures within our organisation.  Of the  1,400  children we are currently supporting weekly, 35% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.  Our goal is to create an environment where every child in care sees themselves and their culture reflected,  through our branding and  marketing and everything we represent. The  Pyjama  Foundation’s branding has always been bright, colourful and reflective of its number one stakeholder  –  the children it supports. But it has always dreamt of a piece that was engaging, fun, and reflective of the cultural inclusivity it wanted to be representative of.

The Foundation was delighted to discover the beautiful work of  Rachael Sarra and work in collaboration with her to create a piece of art that is reflective of the foundation and the families it supports. Rachael is an artist and designer whose work is an extension of her being and experiences. As a  contemporary Aboriginal artist from Goreng Goreng Country,  Racheal uses art as a powerful tool in storytelling, to educate and share Aboriginal culture and its evolution.  Her style is fun and engaging but is drawn from her heritage and her role as an Aboriginal woman in a modern world.

As the next generation and an important part of preservation of culture, a child’s connection and identity is central to their wellbeing. Through respectful, trusted and consistent relationships, a child can be supported to help develop a sense of identity and place. This artwork is an encouragement through empowerment and self-determination for our children so they can feel supported and reflected in the environment and community around them. A breakdown of each of the elements that have been thoughtfully interwoven into the artwork can be found below.

The Pyjama Foundation will continue to learn and evolve by connecting with communities and Elders to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all First Nations children and families. This is just one of the many steps we are taking as an organization to ensure every child feels themselves and their culture represented. For more information and learning activities, head to The Pyjama Foundation’s Indigenous Resources Page.