Strong culture, global connections

“Empowering, affirming and transformative”.

This is how Lieshia Green described her experience as a delegate to the 2025 World Indigenous People’s Conference on Education (WIPCE).

As an Aboriginal and Islander Education Officer at Osborne Park Primary School, Ms Green has already been able to put her experience to work in the classroom. 

“I am excited to bring back ideas around strengthening cultural safety, embedding Indigenous voices in decision-making and using language and culture as the foundation of learning,” she said. 

The triennial event took place recently in Auckland and was attended by 3,800 delegates, making it the biggest academic conference in New Zealand. WIPCE is the world’s largest and most significant event dedicated to Indigenous education.  

Western Australian schools across the state schools were represented by frontline staff. 

Paul Bridge, Advisor, Cultural Responsiveness and Aboriginal Perspectives, was also excited about the experience. 

“It is vital that our Indigenous staff have professional development opportunities on a global platform,” he said.  

“The challenges are well documented, so aspirational events like WIPCE are crucial for our staff to thrive, especially in regional and remote work environments.”

Guest speakers at the five-day conference included the Distinguished Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Dr Mere Skerrett, Associate Professor Jeffrey Ansloos, Dr Teina Rongo and Cliff Curtis. 

Ms Green is keen to share an overarching message with all Department colleagues. 

“Aboriginal leadership and voice are essential, not optional, in education,” she said. 

“When Aboriginal people are involved in shaping learning, schools become stronger, more inclusive and culturally responsive.” 

The opportunity to connect with Indigenous peoples globally was an uplifting experience for the WA contingent.  

“It also showed the opportunities we have when we come together, share knowledge and support one another,” said Ms Green.  

“This connection gave me a stronger sense of unity and hope.” 

The next WIPCE will be held during 2028 in Waikōloa, Hawaii.