Songlines: Bringing Indigenous culture to the classroom

Songlines Art, Culture, Education isn’t just a business; it’s a pathway to create change. Recognised as a finalist in Australia’s Favourite Family Business 2024 competition, Songlines is on a mission to transform how Indigenous perspectives are embedded in Australian classrooms, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn from, connect with, and appreciate First Nations stories and values.

Taking inspiration from family and community

Songlines Art, Culture, Education was inspired by Clare Schoeller’s desire for her children—and all children—to experience a learning environment where Indigenous culture is fully represented.

“Our children and their journey through education inspired the creation of Songlines Art, Culture, Education,” she explains. “We saw a significant gap in the authentic representation of Indigenous culture and perspectives.”

With this vision, the family set out to create high-quality, culturally rich resources designed to support educators in embedding Indigenous knowledge within the curriculum. Their goal? To foster an educational environment where First Nations children feel welcomed, valued, and culturally safe to reach their full potential.

Songlines authentic approach

Clare believes that Songlines’ strength lies in its deep cultural roots and family values.

“Our business is deeply rooted in personal experience and cultural heritage, combining our background as Indigenous Australians with the insights gained as parents and educators,” she says. “By creating resources that respect and celebrate Indigenous knowledge, we foster not only educational outcomes but also cultural understanding and appreciation.”

Songlines offers a wide range of tools, from stamps and flashcards to interactive webinars, to help teachers build meaningful connections with Indigenous culture. It’s a holistic approach to Indigenous education, centred on authenticity and family values.

The joys and challenges of working as a family

Clare tells Kochie’s Business Builders that she enjoys the strong bond that comes with running a family business, describing it as a unique mix of support and shared passion.

“We love the shared passion for our mission and the strong support network that naturally develops when you work alongside your loved ones,” she says. However, the overlap of family and business life isn’t always easy. Clare admits that “maintaining work-life balance can be challenging, as the lines between family time and business operations often blur.” Still, she feels these challenges have strengthened their resilience and unity as a family.

A finalist with a mission

Being named a finalist in Australia’s Favourite Family Business competition has been a significant moment for Songlines Art, Culture, Education. “It’s a tremendous honour and recognition of our commitment to supporting educators and promoting Indigenous perspectives in learning,” Clare says. Winning would give them “an invaluable opportunity to amplify our message and expand our impact,” helping to bring Indigenous culture and perspectives to more classrooms nationwide.

For Clare and her family, Songlines isn’t simply education—it’s about building a bridge between Indigenous knowledge and the next generation, ensuring First Nations voices have a prominent place in Australian classrooms.

Find out more about Songlines Art Culture Education

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