Indigenous Literacy Day

Indigenous Literacy Day seeks to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and education for Indigenous Australians. The initiative aims to enhance opportunities for learning and personal development among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, especially those living in remote and isolated regions. Indigenous Literacy Day seeks to address educational gaps and promote equity through various programmes, collaborations, and resources that target the needs of Indigenous students.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) officially inaugurated Indigenous Literacy Day in 2012 as a way to draw attention to the widening literacy gap facing many Indigenous children. According to a 2016 report by the Australian Council for Educational Research, Indigenous Australian students scored approximately 78 points lower than non-Indigenous students in reading literacy. To tackle this disparity, the ILF prioritises early literacy programmes, delivering culturally appropriate books to remote communities, and maintaining partnerships with local writers, illustrators, and publishers to develop educational material. By focusing on Indigenous storytelling, the ILF aims to empower these communities, boost self-esteem, and foster a sense of identity and pride among Indigenous children.

Indigenous Literacy Day is observed through various events and activities, such as book launches, storytelling sessions, author talks, and book sales. Schools, libraries, and community centres nationwide join the celebration by organising events, attending workshops, and making donations to support the foundation's programmes. In recent years, the event has gained increased recognition, with the ILF now having provided more than 350,000 culturally relevant books into the hands of Indigenous children. Indigenous Literacy Day takes place on the first Wednesday of September each year.