Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia are today celebrating National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, recognising the strength, creativity, identity and joy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and the families, Elders, educators and communities helping them grow up strong.
CEO of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children Catherine Liddle says this year’s theme, Living Our Truth, honours the power of truth-telling in children’s lives and the role of Elders in sharing knowledge across generations.
“Today is about celebrating cultural belonging, recognising our children’s potential and amplifying their voices on the national stage.
“It’s about showing our children how special they are, and how special it is that they have this connection to our Elders and more than 60 thousand years of history.
“Today is a day to celebrate that magic for our children and remind them of how deadly they are.”
Catherine Liddle said this year’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day Flagship event carried particular significance.
“This year’s celebration comes off the back of the Garma Festival’s focus on the future and the achievement of the Closing the Gap target for preschool enrolment.
“It also coincides with the National Inquiry into Racism, highlighting why children must be supported to grow up proud in their identity and culture.
“We’re proud to launch this year’s national Children’s Day celebrations at our flagship event with Kummara Early Years Services in Ipswich/Tulmur, Queensland, on Yagara Country.
“Alongside being a Deadly Early Education and Care centre, Kummara Limited is also a Connected Beginnings site, helping almost 3,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families by bringing together early childhood education, health and family support services so children are set up for success within their own community.
“Today families, Elders and children will come together to celebrate through culture, connection, creativity and community. From cultural performances and storytelling to activities that bring children and families together, the day is about creating moments where our children can see themselves, their culture and their community celebrated.
“Hundreds of child and family services around the country are also marking National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day.
“It is an opportunity to lift up the future leaders of the world’s oldest living culture. That’s something all Australians can be proud of.”
“Closing the Gap starts with our children. It starts with their truth, their spirit and the people who surround them, love them and believe in them.”
SNAICC is proud to partner with 2026 Children’s Day Ambassador Marlee Silva, the acclaimed Gamilaroi and Dunghutti writer, podcaster, presenter and sports commentator, whose work continues to champion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, families and communities.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day has been held every year since 1988 and always on August 4, a date historically used as shared birthday for children of the Stolen Generations who did not know their date of birth.
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For all media queries, please contact Charlie Bowcock on 0417 042 308 or media@snaicc.org.au
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