SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, is proud to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (Children’s Day) on 4 August.
As the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, the theme for this year’s Children’s Day is: ‘Proud in culture, strong in spirit’.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities have provided love and care for their children, growing them up strong and safe in their cultural traditions, for thousands of generations.
For our children, safety, wellbeing and development are closely linked to the strengths of their connections with family, community, culture, language, and Country.
SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle is a proud Arrernte/Luritja woman;
“When I was a young girl growing up out bush, we used to lay out under the stars in our swags and see the story of the Seven Sisters,” Ms Liddle said.
“Growing up with these stories, immersed in my Country, my culture, was so important for me understanding who I am. Connecting to culture makes our kids proud and strong, ready to face a hopeful future.
“Our songlines have been passed down from generation to generation, and we want all Australians to learn our stories – and for our children to feel proud about the rich culture that has endured for millennia.”
Since 1988, 4 August was chosen to communally celebrate the birthdays of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people taken from their families at a young age – the Stolen Generations.
Children’s Day is a chance for all Australians to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, language and the rich cultures of all First Nations Australians.
To celebrate Children’s Day, events and celebrations are taking place across the country from 4 August in early years services, schools, communities, as well as online and at home.
“SNAICC has delivered more than 15,000 Children’s Day resources across Australia to remote communities as well as cities and regions in all states and territories. And this year, we are proud to hear the Solomon Islands have embraced National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.
“It has been a challenging year for many of our children and families, and Children’s Day provides an opportunity for us to acknowledge the strengths of our culture and communities – and most importantly the strong spirit of our children who will uphold Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traditions for generations to come.”
– Catherine Liddle, SNAICC CEO
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