Reflecting on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day: 4 August 2024

August 4 was chosen as National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day in 1988 to communally celebrate the birthdays of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people taken from their families at a young age – the Stolen Generations. As an initiative of SNAICC, this day has grown into a major event that gives all Australians the opportunity to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and learn about the impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every child. Each year amazing and diverse celebrations take place across the country.

This year’s theme was Strong in Culture, Stronger Together, elevating the intention of Children’s Day, which is to focus on strengths of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. These are strengths that come from connection to culture, kin and Community and aim to empower children, supporting them to feel proud of who they are and where they come from.

Emerging Minds celebrated Children’s Day 2024 by purchasing a memory matching game made by Aboriginal children, families and educators at Pipalyatjara Anangu School’s playgroup. The game will be shared around by Emerging Minds staff with the intention that the art and information in the Certificate of Authenticity will spark conversations in our families regarding culture, and the ways Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continue to pass deep wisdom through small practices within their communities.

We encourage you to watch this talk by Bianca Beetson, an artist and Kabi Kabi (Sunshine Coast) woman born in Roma, Western Queensland. Bianca speaks about her individual identity as an Indigenous Australian and the identity of Australia as a nation in terms of its history and its self-concept.