For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Country isn’t just land—it’s a teacher, a guide, and a source of strength. Country as Teacher (CAT), a collective of cultural educators based on Bundjalung Country, is harnessing that wisdom to reconnect Aboriginal youth with their culture, land, and identity.
We sat down with Mel Ladkin, one of CAT’s founders, to talk about their mission, the importance of connection, and how Underwear for Humanity is helping to support their programs.
What is Country as Teacher?
"Country as Teacher is about responsibility, reciprocity, and respect. We take young people out of the classroom and onto Country to reconnect them with culture, identity, and community. It’s about learning from Country—not just about it," explains Mel.
Through immersive programs and camps, CAT gives young people the opportunity to step away from modern distractions and learn through experience.
"So many of our youth have been disconnected from culture. We help them reconnect, not just for themselves, but for the future of their communities."
Connection as Prevention: A Lifeline for Aboriginal Youth
Disconnection from culture and Country can have devastating consequences. Aboriginal youth face disproportionately high rates of incarceration, suicide, and systemic disadvantage. The justice system criminalises them rather than supports them, and access to culturally safe education and programs is limited.
"Racism is still real. Our youth feel it every day. The justice system disproportionately targets them. When they feel lost, they’re more likely to end up in trouble. We work to change that cycle by giving them a sense of identity, pride, and responsibility."
CAT’s programs create safe spaces for young people to learn, connect, and take ownership of their place in their communities. The response has been overwhelmingly positive—students leave the camps feeling empowered, excited, and proud of their heritage.
"They may not know the other kids at first, but they all have culture in common. And that’s what brings them together and bonds them so strongly, at the end of the camp they have this new community among themselves as well as respect & responsibility to Country"
Weaving Culture Back into the Land (Literally)
One of CAT’s standout initiatives is the Weaving Waterways program, a land restoration project that does more than just heal the environment—it reconnects Aboriginal people with traditional weaving practices.
"So many of our native fibers have disappeared from our waterways due to land development and degradation. These plants aren’t just environmental; they are cultural. They connect us to our weaving traditions, to our ancestors, and to each other."
Through Weaving Waterways, CAT is reintroducing endemic plant species to the land—plants that were once used for weaving and daily life. It’s an initiative that’s as much about restoring Country as it is about restoring identity.
The Impact of Underwear for Humanity’s Support
Every time a customer buys from Underwear for Humanity, 50c per item sold goes towards supporting CAT programs. That contribution has been a game-changer.
"Funding for cultural camps is scarce. School budgets don’t cover them, and too often, Aboriginal kids miss out. But with support from Underwear for Humanity, we’ve been able to provide tents, sleeping gear, camp kitchens, and, most importantly, accessibility to these experiences."
Thanks to this partnership, CAT has been able to host camps, provide safe and comfortable facilities for students, and continue empowering young people through cultural education.
"Every time we put up a tent, we tell the kids where it came from. It’s about respect and reciprocity. Knowing that people out there see and value our work means everything."
What’s Next for Country as Teacher?
The future is bright for CAT, with new programs on the horizon, including their first-ever men's camp to provide a safe space for Aboriginal men to connect, share, and learn.
"Our men are craving connection, safe spaces where they can learn more about the land, their culture, and themselves. We’re so excited to make this happen."
Additionally, CAT is expanding its work with international university students, educating them on Indigenous knowledge systems, land conservation, and climate resilience.
"These students are coming from all over the world, eager to learn. It’s an incredible opportunity to share our ways of knowing and being."
Our team of educators and facilitators are passionate about guiding our young people toward a future grounded in truth, resilience, and the power of our stories. Through their collective support, they nurture a different narrative—one that honours our past, empowers the present, and paves the way for generations to come. Together, they hold the key to a better future.
Why This Matters
Country as Teacher isn’t just an educational program—it’s a movement to reclaim identity, culture, and agency. It’s about ensuring that Aboriginal youth don’t just survive, but thrive.
At Underwear for Humanity, we’re proud to be able to be part of this. If you’ve ever bought from us, you’re already part of this journey. Together, we’re making real change—one step at a time.
If you’d like to support Country as Teacher further, check out their work and get involved.
👉 Learn more about Country as Teacher here
