Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day is celebrated every year on 4 August.   

The date was chosen in 1988 to acknowledge the birthdays of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people taken from their families at a young age – the Stolen Generations. 

The day is a chance for all Australians to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories, languages and the rich cultures of all First Nations Australians. Events and celebrations take place in early years services, schools and in libraries all around the state.  

As a parent or carer, you might find yourself unsure on how to celebrate with your jarjum in an age-appropriate way.  

Here are some ideas to help you talk, read, sing and play with jarjums to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day:  

Read: Reading an age-appropriate book with your little ones can be a gentle time to share and talk. Why not visit your local library and borrow Wamparla Apira (Possums and Tall Trees) told in Arabana and English by Elder Thanthi Syd Strangways. This fascinating story is beautifully illustrated by Kathy Arbon, and is also an important addition to the Arabana Wangka or language resources for the Arabana people of northern South Australia.

Sing: You might also like to celebrate with your jarjums by enjoying a song together like the magical Marringa Lullaby, Journey across Country and dream of all the animals. This lullaby is all about sleeping, taking you on a journey across Country and dreaming of the animals you’ve seen or come across in your day.

Play and Talk: Playing with your jarjums builds their brain but is also fun and a great way to celebrate together. Spend some time with your little ones building with blocks and Lego and talking with them about the colour of the blocks or how the Lego fits together.

Listen: While you are talking, reading, singing and playing with your jarjums, don’t forget to listen. Listening, is important. Teaching your children to listen to stories, songs, and the experiences of First Nation Australians will help them to understand the place we all live in together.

For more ideas and information about how you can support your jarjum’s health and wellbeing, through talking, reading, singing, playing and listening, and to keep up with all the exciting news about First 5 Forever, subscribe to our free monthly tips or visit a First 5 Forever session at your local library or Indigenous Knowledge Centre. And remember, you are never too young to be a member of the library – you can join your jarjum up from birth.