National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day held tomorrow, 4 August

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across the country will acknowledge National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day tomorrow, 4 August. 

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (Children’s Day) is the national day dedicated to celebrating First Nations children, and is a time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities to celebrate the strength and culture of First Nations children.

In 2022, the theme My Dreaming, My Future celebrates the fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are born into stories of family, culture and Country, carrying with them the songlines of their ancestors and culture, passed down through generations.

On 4 August, all Australians have the opportunity to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial role that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.

Established 4 August 1988, the first Children’s Day was set against the backdrop of protests led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their supporters during the bicentennial year. In response to the community sentiment at the time, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples decided a day was needed to celebrate First Nations children, to grow their confidence and help them feel special and included.

The date was historically used to communally celebrate the birthdays of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were taken from their families at a young age, without knowing their birthday – the Stolen Generations.

Popular children’s television series Play School will air a Yarning and Dreaming special episode in honour of Children’s Day 2022. The episode will feature Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from across the country during the Through the Window segment. 

Events will be held across the country, and a range of resources has been developed to support early childhood education and care (ECEC) and other businesses to mark the special occasion. 

More information about Children’s Day is available here.