National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day 2026 invites Australia to embrace 'Living Our Truth'

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services across Australia are being encouraged to begin planning their celebrations for National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day, with SNAICC – National Voice for our Children announcing the 2026 theme, Living Our Truth.

Held annually on 4 August, Children's Day is one of Australia's most significant national celebrations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Since 1988, the day has recognised children's strength, resilience and cultural identity while celebrating the important role that families, communities and Elders play in raising children who are safe, connected and proud of who they are.

For early learning services, schools and community organisations, the day provides an opportunity not only to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, but also to reflect on how children's voices, identities and cultures are embedded throughout everyday practice.

The 2026 theme, Living Our Truth, highlights the importance of truth-telling as a foundation for identity, belonging and cultural strength.

According to SNAICC, the theme celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children as emerging leaders while recognising the vital role that Elders, families and communities play in passing knowledge, stories and language from one generation to the next.

Rather than viewing culture as something to be acknowledged on a single day each year, the campaign encourages communities to recognise culture as something that children live every day through their relationships, languages, stories and connection to Country.

Children's Day has been coordinated by SNAICC since 1988 and continues to be shaped by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country.

Each year, early learning services, schools, libraries, community organisations and sporting clubs host local celebrations that reflect the unique cultures, histories and priorities of their own communities.

While every celebration looks different, they share a common purpose: celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and recognising their right to grow up connected to family, culture and Country.

Across Australia, Children's Day celebrations may include storytelling, language experiences, cultural workshops, art activities, music, dance, sport and community gatherings.

SNAICC encourages organisations to work alongside local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities when planning events to ensure celebrations are locally relevant, respectful and community-led.

For ECEC services, this provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with local Elders, Aboriginal organisations and families while creating authentic learning experiences that extend well beyond a single commemorative event.

One of the highlights of this year's campaign is the inclusion of The Moon Story in every 2026 Children's Day Bag.

Written in both Kriol and English by Marshia Cook and illustrated by her son Tamua Nuggett, the book follows a family from Fitzroy Crossing camping on Country beneath the moon and stars.

Its bilingual format supports First Languages while helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children see their cultures, families and experiences reflected in children's literature.

The book received the 2025 Karajia Award for Children's Literature in recognition of its contribution to sharing stories of Country and community.

SNAICC has appointed Marlee Silva, a proud Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman, author, presenter and advocate, as the 2026 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day Ambassador.

Known for championing First Nations voices through television, publishing and public advocacy, Silva will help promote this year's message that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children's stories, identities and truths deserve to be heard, valued and celebrated.

The official artwork for Children's Day 2026, Learning from Country, has been created by proud Bunuba, Gija, Karajarri, Yawuru and Miriwoong artist Tovani Cox.

The artwork depicts children journeying together across Country, surrounded by pathways, waterways and the natural environment.

It reflects the understanding that Country is a teacher, with every child walking their own path while being guided by culture, family and community.

For Australia's ECEC sector, Children's Day provides an opportunity to strengthen culturally responsive practice throughout the year rather than limiting engagement to a single celebration.

The day aligns closely with the aspirations of the Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 and the National Quality Framework, both of which recognise the importance of children's identity, belonging, respectful relationships and meaningful engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and perspectives.

As services prepare for 4 August, SNAICC is encouraging educators, providers and community organisations to celebrate alongside local communities and continue creating environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are recognised, respected and empowered to thrive.

Access Children’s Day resources and additional information on the SNAICC website here.