Every year, Indigenous Literacy Day serves as a poignant reminder of the power of words, stories, and culture. In 2024, the theme “Be A Proud Voice for Country” resonates deeply with the essence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, highlighting the importance of storytelling in preserving, sharing, and celebrating the rich heritage of First Nations peoples.
For us, “Country” is more than just a place; it embodies the spiritual, cultural, and physical connections that bind Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to the land, water, and sky. Being a “Proud Voice for Country” means using one’s voice to honour and protect these connections, to share the stories that have been passed down through generations, and to ensure that the wisdom of the Elders continues to guide and inspire.
This year’s theme encourages everyone—Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike—to take pride in the voices that speak for Country. It is a call to action to support Indigenous literacy, to amplify the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors and storytellers, and to recognise the crucial role that language plays in maintaining cultural identity and knowledge.
Indigenous Literacy Day shines a spotlight on the importance of literacy in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Literacy is more than just the ability to read and write; it is a key to unlocking opportunities, preserving languages, and empowering future generations. For Indigenous Australians, literacy is a bridge that connects the past, present, and future, allowing us to carry forward the knowledge and stories of our ancestors.
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) works tirelessly to improve literacy rates in remote communities, providing culturally relevant books and educational resources that reflect the languages and experiences of First Nations peoples. By supporting the ILF, we can help ensure that every child has the opportunity to become a proud voice for their Country.
Literacy provides a fundamental step of building context, comprehension and understanding, whether it is written, visual or auditory. For kids who miss that foundational step in their literacy journey, it has a lifelong impact.
In remote Communities across Australia, there is often no infrastructure such as libraries or bookstores. Access to reading material is extremely limited and this impacts the achievements of Indigenous children.
Some facts about Indigenous Literacy:
ILF’s three programs, Book Supply, Book Buzz and Community Publishing, focus on ensuring access to quality resources, including books in First Languages, publishing Community stories and supporting Communities and families to lead the entire process to ensure leadership, ownership, and authenticity is held with Community Elders and residents.
As we embrace the theme “Be A Proud Voice for Country,” it’s important to celebrate the incredible contributions of Indigenous authors, illustrators, and storytellers who bring the richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures to life through literature. These voices are not only preserving history; they are also shaping the future.
Books like Bruce Pascoe’s “Dark Emu,” Tara June Winch’s “The Yield,” and Ellen van Neerven’s “Heat and Light” are just a few examples of how Indigenous authors are using their voices to educate, inspire, and challenge readers. These works offer unique perspectives that deepen understanding of Country and the intricate connections between people and place.
For children, stories like “Shake a Leg” by Boori Monty Pryor and Jan Ormerod, and “Welcome to Country” by Aunty Joy Murphy and Lisa Kennedy, are wonderful resources that introduce young readers to the rich cultural heritage of Australia’s First Nations peoples. These books not only entertain but also educate, planting the seeds of respect and appreciation for Country in the minds of the next generation.
This Indigenous Literacy Day, there are many ways you can contribute to the theme “Be A Proud Voice for Country”:
The ILF is visiting Cunnamulla in Queensland, Vincentia in New South Wales and the Tiwi Islands in the Northern Territory. We’ll be sharing stories, cultures and languages in a day featuring many Proud Voices. Do you know what a Moondagutta is? Ever heard of Booglies?
Register now and find out!
This year, we’re celebrating the theme ‘Be A Proud Voice for Country’. We’ll be sharing some of the deep and diverse ways children, Elders and families connect with Country; and the significance of Country in Aboriginal Communities.
You’ll learn about Dreaming stories from the riverbank in Cunnamulla; join teenagers as they explore culture through poetry and art in Vincentia; and hear incredible stories and songs from children and Elders on the Tiwi Islands.
Watch live at 10:30am AEST, 4 September or on demand until the end of the year. Register for the event here
Indigenous Literacy Day 2024 reminds us that literacy is a lifeline for culture, language, and identity. By being a Proud Voice for Country, we contribute to the preservation and celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Let’s come together to ensure that these voices are heard, respected, and valued for generations to come.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2024. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework: summary report. August 2024. AIHW: Australian Government. Accessed 19th August, 2024.
Australian Government. Closing the Gap Report 2020. Accessed 19th August, 2024
Indigenous Literacy Foundation, 2024
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Always was. Always will be Aboriginal land.
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