TASMANIAN ABORIGINAL KNOWLEDGE HOLDERS SCHOOL GRANTS PROGRAM
Sharing. Learning. Belonging.
Every Tasmanian Aboriginal child deserves to feel proud, safe, and valued at school. And every Tasmanian child should have the opportunity to learn the true history of this place and about the rich culture and knowledge of Tasmanian Aboriginal people. The Tasmanian Aboriginal Knowledge Holders School Grants Program helps schools achieve both.
Supported by Reconciliation Tasmania, the program provides funding for Tasmanian schools to partner with Tasmanian Aboriginal educators and knowledge holders to deliver meaningful, culturally appropriate learning experiences that strengthen understanding of Tasmanian Aboriginal history, culture, and perspectives.
Together, we can help create stronger, culturally safe school communities where Aboriginal students feel proud of their identity, and every student has the opportunity to learn from the world’s oldest continuing living culture.
Why this program matters
Despite good intentions, we know that investing in Aboriginal-led learning can be difficult for schools. Many lack the funds, confidence, or Aboriginal community connections to create meaningful change.
This program seeks to remove those barriers, and empower schools to create ongoing, meaningful connections with Tasmanian Aboriginal people, which enrich and expand learning not only for individual students, but for educators, families, and whole school communities.
Outcomes and impact
The program places Aboriginal children and young people at the centre of learning and recognises that meaningful change creates benefits that extend across the school community. As knowledge grows and relationships strengthen, the impact flows across five interconnected groups.
Aboriginal children and young people
Greater cultural pride, stronger feelings of safety and belonging, and learning environments where identity, culture, and perspectives are valued.
All Tasmanian children and young people
Deeper understanding of Tasmanian Aboriginal history, culture, and perspectives, helping to build empathy, respect, and a shared understanding of our island’s story.
Teachers and school leaders
Greater confidence, cultural responsiveness, and stronger relationships that support respectful and meaningful relationships.
Tasmanian Aboriginal community
Strengthened opportunities to share knowledge, build connections, and support Tasmanian Aboriginal educators and knowledge holders.
Whole school community
Families and the broader school community benefit from a more culturally aware, inclusive, and respectful school culture that extends learning beyond the classroom.
Choosing the grant that’s right for your school
Schools can apply for one of three grant streams. Projects funded through this round will be delivered during the 2027 school year.
Ideas to inspire your school project
- Learning with Tasmanian Aboriginal educators and knowledge holders
- On Country experiences and place-based learning
- Cultural workshops such as weaving, canoes, kelp baskets and more
- Working with Tasmanian Aboriginal artists and businesses to create whole-of-school creative projects
- Locally developed Aboriginal-led learning initiatives
Building cultural safety
Successful schools will receive two places at a Tasmanian Aboriginal led one-day cultural safety workshop. The workshop will build cultural responsiveness and leadership, helping schools strengthen the relationships and learning developed through the program.
Which schools will be eligible?
The program is designed to support Tasmanian schools with higher-than-average numbers of Aboriginal students and who have limited funds to support Aboriginal-led learning.
Schools with First Nations student populations of 5% and above and ICSEA percentiles of 80 and below will be encouraged to apply.
To check your eligibility, visit the My School website.
For more information on eligibility, see the Grant Guidelines:
How to apply
Applications are submitted online through Smarty Grants.
Before you begin, make sure that you:
- Read the Grant Guidelines
- Check that your school meets the eligibility criteria
- Come along to our online info webinar
- Discuss your project idea with your school leadership team
- Consider which Tasmanian Aboriginal people, educators, or knowledge holders you would like to partner with
- Gather any supporting documentation required for your application
Together we can creating lasting change
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Knowledge Holders School Grants Program is an investment in stronger schools, stronger relationships and a more inclusive Tasmania: one where Aboriginal children and young people feel proud, safe and valued, and every student has the opportunity to learn from the world’s oldest continuing living culture.
We encourage schools across Tasmania to explore the opportunities offered through this program, share this opportunity with colleagues, and begin planning your project early.
Applications open on 21 September 2026 and close on 30 October 2026.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the program, eligibility, or the application process, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Erin on 0423 131 741 or email here.
Supported by:
