Our Story
At the heart of SNAICC are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
We believe that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have the right to equal opportunities in life and that our communities determine their futures. This has been SNAICC’s guiding principle since our inception in 1981 – growing from a group of impassioned and determined families and carers into a passionate National Voice that represents the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families across Australia.
Our advocacy work and national role have never been more important. The rights of our children remain our driving force in creating safe and supportive environments where culture is not only advocated for, but supported, embraced and is an integral part of their lives and identity.
We look forward to a future that is built on the strengths and capabilities that are present within our Community.
Our History
At the first ‘Aboriginal Child Survival Seminar’, held in Melbourne in 1979, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people identified the need for and proposed the establishment of a national peak body organisation that advocates for and represents Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children at the top level.
This proposal directly guided the formal establishment of SNAICC in 1981, which was – at the time – immediately driven by the need to support Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Agencies across the nation in addressing a major pressing issue: the high rates of removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and into child protection systems. In 1982, SNAICC elected its first national executive and, as of 1983, has received Federal Government Funding Support.
Since our establishment, we have championed the principles of community control and self-determination as a means for sustained improvements for children and families across Australia. This guiding principle has been at the heart of SNAICC’s work as we guide the Sectors concerning Child Protection & Wellbeing and Early Childhood Education & Development. SNAICC has been operating for over 40 years, making us one of the oldest Peaks in the country.
Today, our work consists of developing guidelines, advocating for change and putting forward policy that will drive genuine and lasting change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. Alongside the Commonwealth and State Governments, we also collaborate with non-Indigenous services to enhance the way that organisations plan and provide assistance and services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
Throughout our history, we have worked closely with Aboriginal organisations – and non-Aboriginal organisations – to drive sustained positive systemic and institutional change at the top level, and this need and opportunity remains ever present as we look to the future.
Timeline
1980s: The foundational years
1990s: Addressing systemic issues, advocacy & representation
2000s: Resource development, collaboration & policy influence
2010s: Impactful initiatives & transformative journey
Present: Continued growth & influence
Join Us
Be part of our advocacy efforts and stay informed about our initiatives.
Become a member today and add your voice to the cause.