National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 2022, ‘My Dreaming, My Future’

Today, the 4th of August is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, a day for all Australians to celebrate Indigenous children and help them feel supported, included and connected. Children’s day is an important day for acknowledging that Indigenous children do not have the same opportunities as non-Indigenous Australians. It is also an important day for recognising the importance that culture, family and community play in a child’s development. 

Historically, the 4th of August was a day to communally celebrate the birthdays of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who had been taken from family at a young age and did not know when their birthday was - the Stolen Generations. The first National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day was established in 1988 against a backdrop of protests that happened during the bicentennial year. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had decided that a day was needed to celebrate children, and to help them feel special and included.

Alanna and her two kids Zander and Ziah @mamaofsons_

Since that initial day in 1988, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day has grown more and more each year with many thousands of people engaging via social media and events held all over the country. Children’s Day is promoted by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC), and this year the theme of the day is ‘My Dreaming, My Future’. 

This year’s theme acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are born into stories of their family, culture and Country. They are connected to a history that is passed down by generations, however their futures are their own to shape. Everyone is encouraged to celebrate this day and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across the nation. It is important to take the time to acknowledge the importance of this day, its history and the amazing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. 

Also stay tuned for an exciting campaign we’ll be releasing soon in collaboration with our wonderful community partners Gunawirra and Dalaigur Preschool in celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day!