Understanding culture begins with listening.
Led by Elder Uncle John Lochowiak, Tjina’s Cultural Awareness sessions provide authentic opportunities to learn about Aboriginal culture, history and connection to Country. Through storytelling, conversation and shared experiences, participants gain a deeper understanding of Australia’s First Nations peoples and the importance of creating respectful, culturally safe relationships.
Cultural Awareness Training
Meaningful cultural learning begins with listening.
Delivered by Uncle John Lochowiak, a proud Kaurna, Pitjantjatjara and Ngarrindjeri Elder, Tjina’s Cultural Awareness sessions are designed to create genuine understanding through open conversation, lived experience and respectful engagement.
Rather than focusing solely on historical events, these sessions encourage participants to explore Aboriginal culture as a living and continuing culture, while developing practical knowledge that can be applied within workplaces, schools and community settings.
Each session is tailored to suit the audience, recognising that every organisation has different goals, levels of understanding and opportunities for learning.
Training Topics
Cultural Awareness sessions may include:
- Aboriginal history and the diversity of First Nations peoples
- Kaurna Country and local cultural knowledge
- Connection to Country and caring for Country
- Cultural protocols and respectful engagement
- Kinship systems and community relationships
- Storytelling and the importance of oral history
- Colonisation and its ongoing impacts
- Intergenerational trauma
- Truth-telling and reconciliation
- Building culturally safe workplaces and organisations
- Practical strategies for working respectfully with Aboriginal communities
Workshop content can be tailored to meet the specific needs and objectives of each organisation.
Session Information
Tjina currently offers:
- Half-day Cultural Awareness Workshops (approximately 3–4 hours)
- Sessions tailored for workplaces, schools, government departments and community organisations
- Delivery throughout metropolitan, regional and interstate Australia
- Interactive discussions with opportunities for questions and reflection
Additional Cultural Services
In addition to Cultural Awareness training, Uncle John is available to provide:
Welcome to
Country
Smoking
Ceremonies
Cultural
Consultations
Community
Events
School Engagement Activities
Guest Speaking Opportunities
These services can be delivered independently or alongside Cultural Awareness workshops to
create a meaningful and culturally respectful experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the workshops suitable for?
Cultural Awareness sessions are suitable for workplaces, schools, government departments, health services, councils, community organisations and any group seeking to build a greater
understanding of Aboriginal culture and cultural safety.
Can workshops be tailored to our organisation?
Yes. Every session is customised to suit the audience, organisational objectives and level of cultural knowledge, ensuring the training is relevant, practical and engaging.
How long does a Cultural Awareness session run?
Standard workshops are delivered as half-day sessions (approximately 3–4 hours). Longer or customised sessions may also be available upon request.
Do you travel outside Adelaide?
Yes. Tjina delivers Cultural Awareness training throughout metropolitan, regional and interstate Australia. Travel arrangements can be discussed during the enquiry process.
Can we combine Cultural Awareness training with other services?
Absolutely. Many organisations choose to combine Cultural Awareness training with Aboriginal art workshops, commissioned artwork or cultural services such as Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies to create a more comprehensive cultural experience.
Build understanding through authentic cultural learning.
Whether you’re seeking to strengthen your workplace, support your staff, educate students or build stronger relationships with Aboriginal communities, Tjina provides meaningful cultural learning experiences that encourage respect, connection and lasting impact.