Celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day from home during COVID 19

Find innovative ways to embrace National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Children’s Day this year!

Celebrated on August 4 each year, Children’s Day is a special day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families to celebrate the strengths of culture in raising strong children. It’s also a way for all Australians to show their respect and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and to learn about the crucial role that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.

Children’s Day is the initiative of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children.

The 2020 Children's Day theme

This year’s theme is: We are the Elders of tomorrow, hear our voice.

This year celebrates the uniqueness and importance of the knowledge and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, starting in childhood. Hearing children’s voices today plays a crucial role in their development towards being influential Elders and leaders of the future.

Family celebration ideas

Each year there are more than 500 Children’s Day events held around the country. Find out what’s happening in your community and join in the celebrations. Remember you can always celebrate at home if you can’t attend.

• Share this animated story about the first Dugong created through childrens artwork retelling traditional Torres Strait stories from Margaret Lawrie's Tales from Torres Strait. Listen to some more stories and create your own illustrations! 
• The website has a range of fun activities for children to do at home
• Create your own Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners of the Land that you are on, wherever you are. See how State Library shares this message with small children through videos on First 5 Forever 
• Visit the map of Traditional Owners in Australia and find where you live and learn to say "g'day" in a local language 
• The Supporting Carers site features some tasty bush tucker recipes including Apple and cinnamon damper kids can get involved in making.
• The Queensland Museum website has a list of bush food ingredients from your local area.

More resources to enjoy

• Jarjum Stories
• Jarjum Stories Live!
• Share Kanopy Kids films with your family and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children.  
• First Nations picture books. These books or similar titles may be available at your local public library. Ask library staff for assistance.  

More information

For more information please contact SNAICC – National Voice for children.