Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a unifying opportunity to celebrate the dreams, talents, childhoods and futures of First Nations children.
Image: A First Nations teacher reads to her students inside a class room. She is holding a card in language.
Life Without Barriers joins the chorus of voices singing the praises of the country’s future leaders and custodians on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day.
Embracing the “Little Footsteps, Big Futures” theme of today’s celebration, Life Without Barriers is taking bigger steps to support and honour the strength, stories and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
Through a historic national partnership with SNAICC – National Voice for Our Children (SNAICC), Australia’s voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, Life Without Barriers is recognising our responsibility in supporting a future where every child walks strong in their cultural identity.
Claire Robbs, Chief Executive of Life Without Barriers, said all First Nations children should have the opportunity to be proud of who they are and where they come from.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a unifying opportunity to celebrate the dreams, talents, childhoods and futures of First Nations children,” Ms Robbs said.
“We can all empower children and young people to walk their own path and enjoy and be proud of the 65,000-year legacy they continue forward with connection to kin and country.”
“Through our national partnership with SNAICC, and as a founding member of Allies for Children, we are working together to support transforming child protection systems so that First Nations children are cared for by their families, in their communities, with their cultures at the centre.”
Through the national partnership, Life Without Barriers shares in SNAICC’s vision to support the next generation of leaders and is engaging in a transformation agenda that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination.
As part of this commitment, Life Without Barriers is stepping away from providing out-of-home care services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
This includes working in close partnership with Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations, who are best placed to deliver culturally safe, community-led care. Among these organisations is Winanga-Li, operating in the northwest NSW, home to the Kamilaroi, Gomeroi and Gamilaroi people.
Image: An Aboriginal women is sitting at a playground with her two children. The children are wearing primary school uniforms and the mother is making food.
Read more about the Transformation project here.
“First Nations communities know what is best for their children, and we will continue our work to support children to live with self-determination surrounded by culture and community,” Ms Robbs said.
“We share in SNAICC’s vision to support the next generation of leaders, and we call on all Australians to stand with us to amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, each and every day.”
Catherine Liddle, CEO of SNAICC, said National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a moment for us to share our culture, stories and hopes with everyone in Australia.
"We’re pleased to work alongside Life Without Barriers to keep our children front and centre of decision-making,” Ms Liddle said.
“On this day and every day, our children not only need to but deserve to be celebrated as they also deserve to grow up on country, with kin and connected to culture.”
Today, Life Without Barriers also congratulates Adjunct Professor Sue-Anne Hunter on her appointment as the National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People.
Professor Hunter, a proud Wurundjeri and Ngurai Illum Wurrung woman, has been appointed as the inaugural National Commissioner for First Nations children and will begin her role to elevate the views and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across the country.
“The appointment of Professor Hunter is an important step forward in ensuring the rights of First Nations children are respected and protected, and we also commend SNAICC for its lengthy advocacy for the establishment of this role,” Ms Robbs said.
Read the Media Release about the new National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People here>.
Read our Statement of Commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families here>.
Read how you can join in on Indigenous Literacy Day with Hook into Books™ here>.
