Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day: Living Our Truth | 4 August 2026

Art Acknowledgement: Learning from Country by Tovani Cox.

Ask a child to tell you about themselves and you’ll probably hear about the people, places and things that matter most to them. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, those stories are often deeply connected to culture and Country. They are shaped by knowledge passed down through generations, by strong family and community connections and by a sense of belonging that helps children grow with confidence in who they are.

That’s what National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day celebrates.

Led by SNAICC – National Voice for our Children, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and the important role culture plays in helping children grow up strong and proud.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day has been celebrated since 1988 and is led by SNAICC, National Voice for our Children.

The day recognises that culture isn’t just something children learn about, it’s something they live every day. Today, Children’s Day is celebrated across the country by schools, early learning services, community organisations, libraries, sporting clubs and families, all in their own unique way.

Learn more about Children’s Day: Children’s Day Website

This year’s theme, Living Our Truth, highlights the importance of truth-telling, and the sharing of stories and knowledge that continue to shape Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities. It honours the role of Elders and communities in passing knowledge to younger generations, while celebrating children as the next generation of leaders, storytellers and knowledge keepers.

Whether you’re a parent, carer, educator, student or ally, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is an opportunity to learn, celebrate the strength, pride and potential of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Why Living Our Truth matters
Truth-telling is foundational to identity, belonging and cultural strength. When children hear the stories of their Elders and community, they grow up connected to culture and Country. At OzChild, we recognise that culture is a source of strength, resilience and identity for every child—and Children’s Day is an opportunity to reaffirm our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people, carers and families.

One of the best things about Children’s Day is that no two celebrations look the same.

Across Australia you’ll find schools hosting cultural learning activities, libraries running storytelling sessions, community groups organising family fun days and sporting clubs bringing people together to celebrate.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day events might include cultural learning activities, storytelling sessions, art workshops, music and dance performances, sports days, community BBQs, family fun days or gatherings led by local Elders and community members. Some celebrate on Country, while others create opportunities for families, carers and children to connect through shared experiences and cultural activities. Every celebration reflects the local community, but they all share one goal: celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and the strengths, cultures and communities that support them.

Visit SNAICC’s Children’s Day page for resources including activity sheets, posters and event registration. You can also explore The Moon Story, a bilingual Kriol and English picture book generously donated by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

There are many ways to celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day on Tuesday 4 August.

Access resources through SNAICC’s Children’s Day Resource Hub

Browse the resources here

With so many ways to get involved, you might not know where to start.

Whatever you choose, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the voices, strengths and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Because every child deserves to grow up knowing they belong, feeling proud of who they are and confident in the story they’re carrying forward.

Art Acknowledgement: Learning from Country by Tovani Cox.