SNAICC was formally established in 1981 after the creation of such a body was proposed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the 'First Aboriginal Child Survival Seminar' held in Melbourne in 1979. The organisation elected its first national executive in 1982 and has received Federal Government funding support from 1983.
SNAICC has a dynamic membership base of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-based child care agencies, Multi-functional Aboriginal Children’s Services (MACS), crèches, long day care child care services, pre-schools, early childhood education services, early childhood support organisations, family support services, foster care agencies, family reunification services, family group homes, services for young people at risk, community groups and voluntary associations, government agencies and individual supporters.
SNAICC also has a network and subscriber base of over 10,000 organisations and individuals from community based services and individuals and state and federal agencies nationally who share an interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children.
Vision
An Australian society in which the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families are protected; our communities are empowered to determine their own futures; and our cultural identity is valued.
Purpose
SNAICC is the national non-governmental peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. We work for the fulfilment of the rights of our children, in particular to ensure their safety, development and well-being.
Goal
Strong, healthy, self-determining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, connected to family and culture.
SNAICC's Pillars
SNAICC adopts the following five strategic pillars to prioritise our work to achieve our goal.
We believe that we can realise our goal when each of these pillars are achieved.
- Culturally strong families and communities
- Strong members and other services
- Culturally strong and responsive laws, policies and practices
- Awareness and understanding among the broader population
- Strong and effective national peak body for children
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (Children’s Day) is the largest national day to celebrate our children. Children’s Day is celebrated across Australia each year on 4 August.
Children's Day is a time to for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to celebrate the strengths and culture of their children. The day is an opportunity for all Australians to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every child.
Children's Day activities are held across Australia every year in many different ways such as a community morning tea or a BBQ, cultural arts and craft sessions, cultural exchanges, concerts and performances, competitions, sporting days, games and activities, and so much more.
Children's Day has also been used to highlight the needs of our children and families, and the important issues facing them. It has included some strong political themes, including the removal of children from their families, child poverty, human rights, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination.
Family Matters: Strong Communities. Strong Culture. Stronger Children
SNAICC is proud to led Australia’s national campaign Family Matters: Strong Communities. Strong Culture. Stronger Children , supported by a Strategic Alliance of over 150 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous organisations, leading academics and prominent educational institutions.
Family Matters aims to eliminate the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in out-of-home care by 2040 and ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people grow up safe and cared for in family, community and culture.
We need a new approach. An approach that trusts Aboriginal people to deal with Aboriginal business, and that includes genuine collaboration and partnership, empowers communities and involves long-term government support across the country.