Play School to debut new Indigenous character in Acknowledgment of Country episode
Australian children’s program Play School is debuting a new character, Kiya, in an Acknowledgment of Country episode to air on 8 July, during NAIDOC Week.
The Acknowledgment of Country episode will feature presenters Miranda Tapsell, Luke Carroll, and Hunter Page-Lochard finding out where Kiya is from (Noongar country, in the southern corner of Western Australia) and learning to say hello in her language (“kiya”). The ABC said the episode is a demonstration of its commitment to “embed Indigenous perspectives and viewpoints in ABC Children’s content”.
New Play School character Kiya
“This year, we’re extending the Play School brand by producing unique digital content to amplify the Play School philosophy. We’ve identified key areas of focus and have collaborated with specialists to create a series of one-off Play School specials,” said Libbie Doherty, head of children’s production.
“The first of these specials is Acknowledgement of Country launching in NAIDOC week. Get Ready For Bed will resonate with everyone struggling to get their little person to sleep and the very special, Beginnings and Endings, has been crafted to help families explain the cycle of life and the concept of death in an age appropriate way.”
Kiya was created in collaboration with Awe and Wonder, with assistance from the ABC’s Indigenous unit. Dr Red Ruby Scarlet and Aboriginal Early Childhood consultant Jessica Staines were advisers and script outliners for the episode, while artist Kiya Watt created the fabric for Kiya’s clothing.
“The ocean has strong connection to Menang Noongars. The symbols and dots throughout the middle represent the strong spirit and movements of the ocean,” Watt said.
“The dark blue lines outlined with white dots show the waterholes (ngamar) where we would fish from to provide food for our families. The ocean, like boodjah (land), is our mother and we must honour and protect, and only fish enough to provide for our family.”
Brittney Rigby was Mumbrella's deputy managing editor - news and analysis. She left Mumbrella in April 2021.
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I can hear Mark Latham crying from here. Well done ABC!
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Wonderful. Both for the action and positive intent, and for inevitably pissing off some white idiots (as correctly mentioned above).
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Just watched the Acknowledgement of country episode of Playschool with my 15month old daughter- we both loved it! Such beautiful storytelling, music and imagery. All involved should be very proud of this meaningful piece of quality children’s programming. We both learnt a lot about the country we call home. Thank you ABC!
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