The 2024 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day theme Strong in Culture, Stronger Together elevates the intention of Children’s Day, focusing on the strength of our children that comes from their connection to culture and mob.
This year we stand with our children, proud of their culture, stories, kin and community – all that makes our children special, resilient and the bright leaders of our future. We hope that this year’s theme empowers our children, making them feel proud of who they are and where they come from. Showing them that their culture is one of the most sacred, strong and important assets that they can have.
If our children are strong in culture, then they are strong in their identity, and this is important for future generations to come.
Children’s Day 2024 fell on a Sunday this year, but there were events on Friday, August 2, as well as over the weelend
Children’s Day is important as a national celebration for our children to give them confidence and advocate for systemic changes to be made.
The majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are thriving and growing up strong in their cultures with support from family and community. However, there is a significant number of children that continue to face ongoing challenges that stem 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 that considers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s wellbeing, safety and development.
This is why we celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.
History of Children’s Day
On 4 August 1988, the first National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day was established, amid protests led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their supporters during the bicentennial year.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples felt that a day was needed to celebrate our children, to instill confidence in them and to make them feel special and included. The date 4 August was chosen as the day to celebrate as it has historically been 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.
Since its establishment, Children’s Day has become a major event in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and community organisations. Every year, the wider Australian community has taken the lead in celebrating Children’s Day, with amazing and diverse celebrations across the country. Cultural events, open days, arts and crafts, storytelling, face painting, concerts, morning teas and community barbeques are all held to celebrate the occasion.
Go to www.snaicc.org.au for more information.
