Nurture our kids and they’ll grow up strong and happy.
Communities across the country will be holding special events to celebrate National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day on August 4, which is organised each year by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC). SNAICC first initiated National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day back in 1988.
The aim of National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day is to encourage everyone involved with children and young people to be aware of the importance in providing safe, nurturing and healthy environments for our children – not just on August 4, but every day.
The day is also a way to raise awareness of how strong and healthy family relationships and positive role models can contribute to improved well-being, self-esteem, sense of belonging and long term resilience in our kids.
Each year, SNAICC has a theme for Children’s Day to highlight a significant issue, concern or hope for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. The theme for this year is Nurturing Our Children to Flourish.
“This year’s theme reinforces the message that SNAICC doesn’t want kids just to be OK, we want them to flourish, achieve their greatest potential and enjoy the same quality of life as all other Australian children,” says SNAICC Chairperson Muriel Bamblett.
Since 1988, National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day has focused on issues ranging from child poverty, the forced removal of children from families, access to education, cultural pride and inheritance and the importance of Elders in kids’ lives. Previous themes have included One Childhood – One Chance; My Culture is Me: I am Proud and Strong; and Keeping Kids Connected to Community, Family and Culture.
A central part of SNAICC’s message has always been the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids being raised in their culture – culture is a source of strength, resilience, happiness, identity and confidence.
For some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids in particular, especially those who have to spend time away from their families, access to culture is critical because it provides a source of strength and pride.
To find out more about SNAICC head to www.snaicc.asn.au
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