National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

On 4th August 2021 we are celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. The theme for 2021 is “Proud in culture, strong in spirit” and this theme is so important in highlighting the importance of maintaining traditional culture in the upbringing of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children which in turn will create a generation that is strong in spirit.

Children’s Day is a time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities and all Australians, celebrate the strengths and culture of our children. It is an opportunity for us to show our 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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child. Children’s Day has been run annually since 1988 and is the initiative of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children.

In 1988, the first National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day was established on 4 August and was set against the backdrop of protests led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their supporters during the bicentennial year. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples felt a day was needed to celebrate our children, to give them confidence and make them feel special and included.

The date 4 August was historically 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.

The majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are thriving and growing up strong in their cultures, with support from their families and communities.

However, a significant number of our children continue to face ongoing challenges stemming from colonisation and its effects. This includes discrimination, poverty, systemic removal, intergenerational trauma, dislocation from land and culture, and community disempowerment.

To achieve equality, we must approach these challenges through a holistic approach, considering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s wellbeing, safety and development.

Many of the closing the gap targets are aligned with the concept of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day. These targets that are aligned are:

• Children are born healthy and strong,
• Children are engaged in high quality culturally appropriate early childhood education in their early years
• Children thrive in their early years
• Students achieve their full learning potential
• Students reach their full potential through further education pathways
• Youth are engaged in employment or education
• Children are not overrepresented in the child protection system
• Cultures and languages are strong, supported and flourishing

The Dreaming Foundation will be working with Aboriginal led organisations who are specifically aligned with these targets to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children can grow up “Proud in culture, strong in spirit