National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day is held every year on August 4. It's an opportunity for the whole community to celebrate our children and each year, mob from all over the Country host and attend events focused on kids, culture, family and community.
Children’s Day is organised and promoted by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC). SNAICC is the national organisation that provides a voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and promotes their rights, safety and wellbeing.
Children’s Day was first held 30 years ago in 1988. Part of the reason it was started was because there were many of our children in orphanages and institutions who did not know their birthday, so Children’s Day was set aside each year to celebrate the birthday of these children. The day was also needed to give Aboriginal children “confidence and make them feel special and included.” Over the years the day has grown, with more and more events such as morning teas, community BBQs and other celebrations being held.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to celebrate the strengths and culture of their children.
Every year, Children’s Day has a different theme – this year’s theme is Celebrating Our Children for 30 Years. SNAICC’s description of the theme is below:
Our children are the youngest people from the longest living culture in the world, with rich traditions, lore and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation. Our children are growing up strong with connection to family, community and country. Our children are the centre of our families and the heart of our communities. They are our future and the carriers of our story.
This year, we invite communities to take a walk down memory lane, as we revisit some of the highlights of the last 30 years. We look back on the empowering protest movements instigated by community that had led to the establishment of the first Children’s Day on 4 August 1988. We look back at all of the amazing moments we’ve shared with our children over the years, and how we’re watching them grow into leaders. We look back to see what we’ve achieved, and decide where we want to go from here to create a better future for our children.