This year’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day theme is ‘Strong in Culture, Stronger Together’.
SNAICC (Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care Incorporation), the National Voice for Aboriginal Children, are encouraging us all to unite and raise awareness for the bright futures of Aboriginal babies, toddlers and children,
Tweddle stand with Aboriginal children, proud of their culture, stories, kin and community – all that makes First Nations babies, toddlers and children special, resilient and the bright leaders of the future. If Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are strong in culture, then they are strong in their identity, and this is important for future generations to come.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day History
The 4th of August was historically used to communally celebrate the birthdays of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were taken from their families at a young age, without knowing their birthday – the Stolen Generations.
While the majority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are thriving and growing up strong in their cultures, with support from their families and communities, many continue to face discrimination, poverty, systemic removal, intergenerational trauma, dislocation from land and culture, and community disempowerment.
Tweddle’s RAP and Aboriginal Leadership
Tweddle, now working on our RAP Innovate, acknowledges that working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities helps to gain a greater understanding of transgenerational trauma impacts. This is important because we believe in delivering inclusive practice and programs in the best interest of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies, children, and families.
Tweddle Chair and proud Gunditjmara woman Ms Annette Vickery is also CEO of WestCasa.
Annette says “Tweddle is committed to providing accessible, inclusive practices and programs in the best interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families for a safe, thriving and strong start to life. We believe that indigenous babies and toddlers’ lives are better when they are connected to family, community, culture, and Elders.”
By creating layers of culturally safe protection, support and community around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, we can enable Aboriginal babies and children to grow into elders whose voices can be echoed for generations to come.
#NATSIChildrensDay
#StrongincultureStrongertogether
To learn more about National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day visit https://aboriginalchildrensday.com.au/
