From a Challenge to a Movement: The Sea of Hearts Journey

What began as a simple yet powerful idea to support educators during National Reconciliation Week has blossomed into a national movement of connection, reflection, and action. The Sea of Hearts Challenge, created by Connecting the Dots through Culture in 2022, was born from a desire to provide educators and services with a meaningful, visual way to begin conversations about Reconciliation and embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into everyday practice. 

🌿 The Heart Behind the Challenge 

The original idea was simple: use heart-shaped symbols to reflect on what Reconciliation means to you and your service. But these weren’t just any hearts—they were symbols of intention, learning, commitment, and love. Each heart told a story. Some hearts represented journeys of truth-telling. Others honoured Elders, remembered the past, or stood as promises for a better future. 

The activity encouraged everyone—children, families, educators, and community members—to participate. It gave people a safe, creative, and heartfelt way to engage with sometimes difficult conversations. 

🫶🏽 A Movement Grows 

In just a few years, what started as a small challenge has transformed into something much bigger. The Sea of Hearts Movement now stretches across early learning centres, schools, community groups, shopping centres, government departments, and family day care services around the country. 

Walls, fences, halls, and gardens have been adorned with beautiful, powerful installations—each one unique, each one part of a larger collective commitment to walking together in Reconciliation. 

🧡 More Than Decoration—It’s Deep Work 

While the hearts are visually stunning, their deeper purpose is what makes them so impactful. The Sea of Hearts Movement: 
•   Sparks conversations about truth, history, and healing 
•   Encourages reflective practice within educational and organisational settings 
•   Provides a culturally safe starting point for engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices 
•   Helps services visualise and celebrate their commitment to change 

It’s a reminder that Reconciliation isn’t a moment—it’s a movement. And it starts with listening, learning, and connecting. 

🌺 Why It Matters 

Every heart matters. Every story counts. And every person has a role to play. 

The Sea of Hearts Movement invites you to reflect not just during Reconciliation Week, but every day. How are you embedding culture into your program? How are you honouring Country, Elders, and the diverse histories of this land? How are you walking the journey with your Future Old People? 

💬 Join the Movement 

Are you ready to join the Sea of Hearts Movement? 

Start small. Print a heart template. Sit with your team. Talk with your children. Invite your families. Create space for stories. Display your hearts proudly. And share your reflections with the world. 

🌊 Together, we create a Sea of Hearts—one that stretches far and wide, grounded in love, learning, and action. 

⸻ 

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