Waiben celebrations for Children’s Day

The hopes, achievements and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were celebrated nationally last Friday, including on Waiben, for National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day.

Activities on the day highlighted the importance of culture and community in the lives of young people under a theme of Little Voices, Loud Futures

SNAICC CEO Catherine Liddle said the growing popularity of Children’s Day demonstrated the importance families and educators placed on including cultural perspectives in early years education and care.

“It’s wonderful to see so many early years centres, schools and children’s services embracing the chance to celebrate and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and the central role it plays in the lives of our children,” Ms Liddle said.

“It is also a day of awareness, to advocate for our children’s rights to grow up strong and healthy, connected to family, community and Country, with equity of opportunity.”

SNAICC Chairperson Muriel Bamblet said this year’s theme also emphasised the importance of listening to children’s aspirations, hopes and dreams.

“Our call for the future is for our children to be proud of their heritage, be empowered and strengthened by their culture to speak their truth, to have a say on matters important to them and in the decisions that impact their lives,” she said.