Indigenous Literacy Day

Indigenous Literacy Day History

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.

Top facts about Indigenous Literacy Day

• The theme for Indigenous Literacy Day in 2023 was Celebrating Stories, Cultures and Languages.
• According to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, as of 2022, an estimated 636,000 books have been collected and donated to over 400 Indigenous communities.
• There is about a 2.5-year gap between non-Indigenous and Indigenous literacy rates in Australia.
• Only 24 % of children in remote Australian communities have a school that goes up to Year 12.
• The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go! - Dr. Seuss

In the News and Trending for Indigenous Literacy Day

Top things to do for Indigenous Literacy Day

• Buy a book from a participating seller. Book sellers that participate in ILD donate a portion of their day's profits to the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.
• Host or participate in a Great Book Swap. Many offices and almost all schools host these challenges in order to circulate reading materials throughout the country.
• Go to a library and take part it its Indigenous Literacy Events. Most libraries host book-themed events and collect donations for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation to continue its work in remote communities throughout the year.
• Spread awareness for the day on social media using hashtags #ILD, #ILF, #IndigenousLiteracy and #Indigenousopportunities.
• Watch a documentary that highlights the importance of literacy. Our favourites include: Why Reading Matters, Literacy as a Weapon, To Be Heard and Illiteracy in the World.