On 4th August, all Australians have the opportunity to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.
Activities Include:
Aboriginal Flag Handprints - The Aboriginal flag is very important to Aboriginal people all over Australia. It has been flown since the 1960s. When looking at the Aboriginal flag, there are three colours. The top half is black and represents Aboriginal people from all over Australia. The bottom half is red and represents the land Our Mother Earth. The yellow circle in the middle of both colours represents the sun - the constant giver of life.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags - This is a favourite activity for helping children to learn about the colours and meaning of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.
Basket Weaving - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people weave natural materials such as long grasses, vines, plant fibres, bark, hair, fur and feathers.
Jewellery Making - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People make jewellery out of natural materials, such as seeds, beans, bones, feathers and shells.
Animal Tracking - Learn to make animal tracks with your fingers.
Clap Sticks - Clap sticks are also known as music sticks or tapping sticks. They are made of various woods and decorated with burnt wire markings or paintings.
Environmental Plate - These environmental plates are great when telling Dreaming stories.
Weaving On Cardboard - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People weave natural materials such as vines, bark, hair, fur and feathers.
Weaving On A Branch - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people weave natural materials such as long grasses, vines, plant fibres, bark, hair, fur and feathers.
Nature Bracelet - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women spend many hours gathering natural materials such as seeds, nuts, shells and flowers from the bush to make traditional jewellery.
Learn ATSI Songs and Rhymes:
Inanay - A Torres Strait Islander song about a goanna in Yorta Yorta, a language of one of Torres Strait Islander tribe in Victoria.
Taba Naba- This song is about going to the reef and is accompanied by a sit-down dance where the dancers perform traditional movements corresponding to the lyrics.
Pitjantjatjara 123 - Learn to count to 3 in Pitjantjatjara with this simple song. A dialect of the Western Desert Language, the largest language group of Aboriginal Australia.
For more activities: Activities For Children's Day
Children’s Day is a time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities and all Australians, celebrate the strengths and culture of our children. It is an opportunity for us to show our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.
For more information: Celebrate Children's Day
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