The achievements, cultural connections and rich stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will be celebrated around the nation today, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (August 4).
There are over 100 events officially registered in celebration of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day with more than 20,000 bags containing cultural activities and learning, and over 300 posters distributed to support the occasion.
Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC, National Voice for our Children said National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a moment for us to share our culture, stories, and hopes with everyone in Australia. It’s a celebration of the rich legacy and bright future of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“Our children not only need to but deserve to be celebrated as they also deserve to grow up on country, with kin and connected to culture,” Ms Liddle said.
“The day is a tribute to our youth, who carry forward their rich cultural traditions and stories while also recognising the work and advocacy that needs to be done to support children’s rights.
“It is also an opportunity for all Australian children to learn about and celebrate the world’s oldest living culture.
“It should never be acceptable that where you are born and who you are born to should have an impact on your life trajectory. At SNAICC, we work to ensure our children have every opportunity and that means making progress on closing the gap.”
The fourth of August was chosen as the day to celebrate because it was 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.
“SNAICC’s origins are deeply connected to this celebration and to the need for a special day to celebrate our children, to feel proud of their culture and feel special,” Ms Liddle said.
“We hope that especially today, our children are proud of who they are and where they come from. Today we celebrate culture and show our children this is one of the most sacred, strong and important assets that they can have.”
**ENDS**