“…When I found out what Goondeen meant, I was amazed that one word could explain such a deep, meaningful, sensitive and absolutely important message to me as a person and a teacher. It made me pull up and acknowledge those who have influenced me in my life and my personal connections to the land, my communities and my wishes to care for places and our environment. Listening to Kiana helped me to understand that it was ok to impart my level of knowledge to my students about our Australian Aboriginal and TSI cultures in the way that I can using my knowledge from prior study of Aboriginal culture and wisdom of our elders and other leaders in our community.  Kiana's message was strong and clear, that perspectives can be extremely varied from region to region. I felt very emotional when Kiana and Brenda shared their experiences about leaving their culture behind when they walked through the school gate…”

“…Thank you, Kiana, for sharing your vision to support teachers like myself in embedding Indigenous perspectives into our curriculum. I felt so honoured to be part of a network of new understandings. Your knowledge and experience in education blended with your passion for changing perspectives moved me. The way you changed a Venn diagram of cultural differences into a figure 8 image inspired me...”

“…Kiana’s presentation was authentic, informative and insightful. My own understanding and perspectives were broadened by the gentle and non-judgmental way Kiana spoke about un-educating and re-educating and the small steps that we can begin to take to make a difference. She made a clear connection about Goondeen and the journey and essence of the word. Certainly, plenty to reflect about and would welcome the opportunity to listen to Kiana again…”

“…I’ve had such positive feedback and it is so wonderful when teachers, at the end of a long day, feel that the PD they attend is valuable, worthwhile and practical for their teaching practice…”

“…I wish to express my gratitude to the genuine presentation by Kiana Charlton on the Goondeen Institute Teaching Resource and embedding indigenous perspectives into the curriculum.   In a short time, I found Kiana was able to portray how and why embedding indigenous perspectives into our delivery of the Australia Curriculum is an imperative responsibility of our teaching generation.  After listening to Kiana, I felt excited to be an educator in modern times and inspired to contribute towards changing how our Australian history is taught to future generations.  Goondeen gives educators the resources necessary to feel empowered to teach indigenous perspectives with confidence...”

“…Week 10 end of term staff meeting after a long day would not normally be my most receptive time, yet I was completely engaged in this presentation. I listened to every word and kept thinking about the talk on my drive home. Kiana's perspective as a teacher was honest and her anecdotes of family life were thought provoking. I really loved the video of Aileen speaking about Stradbroke Island and the lake and the connection with living things that was so important to her family growing up. I could listen to these stories heaps more. Another part that has stayed with me is the visual table describing the two organisational structures, and the differences that exist. Kiana's explanation of how these two could coexist and borrow and learn from each other was inspiring. I left wanting to know more and teach more from Goondeen…”

“…The Goondeen visit forced me to reflect on my experiences as a child at school in Grovely, and how I was puzzled and deeply concerned about the silence of my Aboriginal classmates when they didn't understand what was being said or done each day in our school culture. I found it hard to understand how the kids sometimes ran away without telling anyone and how concerned and worried I felt for them and their happiness. Learning about Goondeen makes me even more determined to carry on attempting to spread clear messages about the importance of our ancient Aboriginal people, their knowledge and varied cultures. I now feel stronger from knowing that its ok to use Goondeen and other quality resources and knowledges to present to my culturally-broad class groups year by year even though I'm not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander….”