“We are the Elders of tomorrow, hear our voice”

Australia Celebrates our Elders of Tomorrow on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 2020.

The Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) is the national voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and is proudly celebrating National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (Children’s Day). Read more about the theme and intentions of the day below:

As the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, our theme for Children’s Day 2020 is: We are the Elders of tomorrow, hear our voice.

Our Elders are the holders of traditional knowledge, working to uphold the rights and improve the lives of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our Elders are often called upon to provide reassurance, comfort and hope, especially in times of uncertainty.

“Passing on our traditions from generation to generation over thousands of years is why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are some of the oldest on earth,” said SNAICC Chair, Muriel Bamblett – a proud Yorta Yorta and Dja Dja Wurrung woman.

“We want to celebrate the unique knowledge and wisdom of our peoples, starting in childhood. Our children are future custodians of our cultures, and it is essential that their voices are heard today if they are to become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Since 1988, 4 August was chosen to communally celebrate the birthdays of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people taken from their families at a young age – the Stolen Generations.

This year, our Children’s Day video features young Wurundjeri and Kalkadoon warrior Jedda with Wurundjeri Elder Aunty Di, and voices of our children from across Australia.

“Like Jedda, we want our children to grow up strong, proud of their identities,” said SNAICC CEO, Richard Weston, who understands the importance of healing for our children.

“Now is the time more than ever to support our young people as we navigate new challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and our fight for justice.”

Children’s Day is a chance for all Australians to celebrate and embrace Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and show our support for our children, families and communities.

(Adjunct Professor Muriel Bamblett, SNAICC Chairperson)

Find out more about National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day 2020 at: aboriginalchildrensday.com.au

About SNAICC – National Voice for our Children

SNAICC – National Voice for our Children is the national non-governmental peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. We work for the fulfilment of the rights of our children, in particular to ensure their safety, development and wellbeing.

Founded in 1981, SNAICC was called Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care until it was changed to SNAICC – National Voice for our Children.

Over the past 30 years SNAICC has achieved key milestones in policy development at state, territory and federal levels and developed innovative and useful resources for the sector.

SNAICC is governed by an influential Board of Directors made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled children and family services.