What animal or plant gives you strength?

This simple question holds profound wisdom and is a beautiful way to introduce the concept of First Nations Dreaming.

Try this. Do you have 60 seconds?
Think of one animal, bird, sea creature, insect, tree, or plant that you feel drawn to right now. Do not overthink it. Just notice what comes to mind first.

Now, sit with that image and ask yourself:

• What are three strengths of this animal or plant?
• How do I use those strengths in my work, my role, or my community
• Where might I need those strengths right now?

There are no right or wrong answers here. Simply space to listen to what nature might be teaching you.

From Mascots to Dreaming 

Ultimately, this short reflection brings us to the First Nations concept of Dreaming.

Most of us understand the power of nature’s emblems on a heart level already. Think about sports teams, the Eagles, the Swans, the Tigers, the Broncos. These emblems carry identity. They carry pride. They carry energy and belonging.

However, Dreaming goes much deeper than a mascot.

Aunty Munya explains it simply: 

“Dreaming is like a spiritual emblem from nature. It might be an animal, bird, plant or something else from Country. It helps show who you are, what strengths you carry and what responsibilities you have.”

You might have heard the word “totem” used in similar conversations. Aunty Munya teaches that “totem” is a Native American word that has been introduced here, while “Dreaming” comes directly from Australian Aboriginal culture. While some people now use both words interchangeably, understanding the roots of “Dreaming” connects us deeply to this continent.

Strengths are Responsibilities

Aunty Munya’s personal Dreaming is Arlan, the white-chested sea eagle.

Eagle flies high. Eagle sees the bigger picture. Yet, Eagle can also focus sharply on the finer details when needed. Fearless and wise, the Eagle reminds us of a crucial First Nations teaching: our strengths are not just personal gifts.

They are responsibilities.

If you carry the strength of the eagle, you have a responsibility to use that vision for the good of your workplace or community. If you carry the quiet endurance of a deep-rooted tree for example, you have a responsibility to offer stability to those around you.

Redefining Resilience

Today, many workplaces are working hard to build resilience. We are told that resilience is endurance. We are told to “bounce back” after a difficult project or a global crisis.

But what if resilience is not just about enduring?

Aunty Munya offers a profound shift in perspective:

“Resilience is not just endurance. It is not simply ‘bouncing back’. First Nations peoples have survived enormous change because culture, Country, Kinship and Dreaming have carried us forward.”

Undeniably, this changes how we view our collective strength. It shifts the focus from individual toughness to shared connection. Building on this wisdom, Carla Rogers explains what this looks like in practice: 

“Resilience means adapting without losing who you are. It means drawing on our strengths and connections, to move forward without leaving people behind“. 

Whether we are navigating a difficult workplace transition, having a hard conversation, or building more inclusive teams, this First Nations wisdom offers a map. It reminds us that we are not separate from nature, and we are not empty-handed. We carry strengths, and with those strengths, we carry each other.

So, return to the quiet space for a moment. What animal or plant came to mind for you? What strengths does it carry? And how might those strengths support you today?