National Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander Children's Day

By Kym Korbe, Koa Kuku Yalanji woman and Executive Officer UAICC and Covenanting.

The theme for 2025, "Little Footsteps, Big Future," emphasizes the importance of nurturing and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as they grow, highlighting the role of culture, community, and connection to Country in their development.

Pictured below is enrolled nurse Enid Newie, who has worked faithfully and shared her culture through her role in BlueCare for over 18 years.  Enid is pictured with her husband–who also works for BlueCare–and daughter. The family recently travelled to Moa and Thursday Island to be present for a the cultural protocol of the Tombstone Unveiling Ceremony. This Torres Strait Islander cultural protocol calls for family to gather in honouring, usually at the closing of the first year after the passing of a loved one.

As we hold the place of grief and loss, God makes way for us to experience the Fruits of the Spirit such as Love, Joy, Peace, Faithfulness and Self-control. Enid talked to me about how much joy, love and connectedness she and her family experienced during their time of participating in and honouring their cultural obligations.

I am grateful for Enid for sharing this very personal experience with us. And reminding us, that spiritual and cultural growth can occur for our children when they are strengthened through culturally safe spaces; that recognise children can learn through respectfully balancing family obligation, with being encouraged to experience the joy and pleasure of time spent just being with those they love on Country.

The lands and seas were created to sustain physically, emotionally and spiritually. And children, with their endless curiosity and wonder are the best people to remind us that even in times of deep sadness, there is always light.

If you wish to know more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day and the work of SNAICC, please follow this link.

Resource: Tombstone Unveiling (2000) clip 2 on ASO - Australia's audio and visual heritage online