National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day celebrated across Australia

Today is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, and early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across the country are joining in with the theme ‘Little Voices, Loud Futures’ to raise awareness for the bright futures of children and the potential for their voices to pave a new path for Australia. 

 

More than 15,000 Children’s Day bags and posters have been sent out around the country to support the celebrations, with content focused on sharing culture and learning through fun and engaging activities.

 

This year, SNAICC is excited to welcome the support of LEGO for Children’s Day, with the toy company donating sets for every bag.

 

LEGO is also supporting the national Children’s Day focus event in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, supplying the popular toy bricks and specialist play leaders for the celebrations.

 

Celebrated on 4 August each year, Children’s Day is a special day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families to celebrate the strengths of culture in raising strong children. It is also a way for all Australians to show their respect and 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.

 

SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle said the growing popularity of National Aboriginal and Islanders Children’s Day demonstrated the importance families and educators place on including cultural perspectives in early years education and care.

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“It’s wonderful to see so many early years centres, schools and children’s services embracing the chance to celebrate and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and the central role it plays in the lives of our children,” Ms Liddle said.

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“It is also a day of awareness, to advocate for our children’s rights to grow up strong and healthy, connected to family, community and Country, with equity of opportunity.”

 

“Children’s Day is an important day for all of us, but it’s a really significant day for our communities and particularly our children,” added SNAICC Chair Muriel Bamblett. 

 

“Every parent and grandparent – and uncle and auntie and carer – will tell you that the children in their lives are their absolute priority. That’s something we all share. Children’s Day is a perfect time for us to centre ourselves and celebrate what’s really important.”

 

The 2023 theme of Little Voices Loud Futures, she continued, emphasises the importance of listening to children’s aspirations, hopes and dreams.

 

“Our call for the future is for our children to be proud of their heritage, be empowered and strengthened by their culture to speak their truth, to have a say on matters important to them and in the decisions that impact their lives.”

 

“Our children deserve no less than Yes.”

 

To learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, please see here.