National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities to celebrate the strengths and culture of their children.
On or around 4 August, all Australians have the opportunity to show their 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.
What is Children’s Day?
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (Children’s Day) is our national day dedicated to celebrating our children. Children’s Day is celebrated across the country each year on 4 August.
History of Children’s Day
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.
Books to share with your kids that celebrate Indigenous Culture
To recognise and acknowledge National Aboriginal Children’s Day we have some recommendations for key Indigenous focused titles to share with your kids.
Rocky and Louie
by Raewyn Caisley, Phil Walleystack and Dub Leffler
Louie’s big brother, Rocky, has big dreams and wants to chase them. But Louie doesn’t want him to forget where he belongs . . .
A heartfelt story about the bond between two brothers and their special connection to country. Illustrated by CBCA award-winning picture-book creator Dub Leffler, and written by acclaimed singer/storyteller Phil Walleystack and award-winning children’s author Raewyn Caisley.
My Culture and Me
by Gregg Dreise
A stirring story about pride, respect and maintaining culture.
Feel the rhythm of the music, from your heart down to your feet.
Enjoy the movements of melodies, as clapsticks keep a strong beat.
This is my culture. This is me.
Beautifully written and illustrated, My Culture and Me is a heartfelt and stirring story of cherishing and sustaining Indigenous cultures.
Dream Little One, Dream
by Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina
From sunrise to night-time, celebrate the wonders of nature with this rhythmic and radiant bedtime story by Sally Morgan and Ambelin Kwaymullina.
When Moon shines and earth breathes a breath of deepest night dream, little one, dream into the peace of a wonderful world.
Aussie Kids: Meet Sam at the Mangrove Creek
by Paul Seden and Brenton McKenna
Aussie Kids is an exciting new series for emerging readers 6-8 years.
From a NSW Zoo to a Victorian lighthouse, or an outback sheep farm in WA to a beach in QLD, this junior fiction series celebrates stories about children living in unique places in every state and territory in Australia.
8 characters, 8 stories, 8 authors and illustrators from all 8 states and territories!
Come on an adventure with Aussie Kids and meet Sam from the Northern Territory.
Alfie’s Big Wish
By David Hardy
In David Hardy’s beautifully illustrated picture book we join a young boy, Alfie, on a quest for companionship.
When at first his friends leave with their parents, he searches high and low for somebody new to play with.
Sad and lonely at the end of the day, Alfie makes a big wish. When he wakes up, he finds out that sometimes wishes really do come true!
Other titles by David Hardy include: On the way to Nanas and Alfie’s Search for Destiny.
For more information about National Aboriginal Children’s Day:
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