ACT Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Joy Burch today celebrated the importance of Indigenous young people with National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day (NAICD).

“It is a sad reality that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children face more significant disadvantages and obstacles growing up than non-Indigenous children,” Ms Burch said.

“This year’s NAICD is focusing on the role that services provide in supporting families and communities to raise, resilient, healthy children who are imbued with the richness of their cultures.

“The ACT Government is leading the way in delivering services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families, for example specialised programs offered at the West Belconnen Child and Family Centre.”

Child and family centres today marked National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Daywith morning teas for families and by putting on various events for children.

Ms Burch said the ACT Government was also intent on developing the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leaders through a four-year, $240,000 initiative unveiled in this year’s budget.

Through this initiative the Government will work with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body to select up to 20 people and help them overcome some of the barriers they may face while trying to progress their careers.

National Aboriginal and Islander Children’s Day is an initiative of the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC).

Further information can be found on either the SNAICC website at www.snaicc.asn.au or the Community Services website at www.dhcs.act.gov.au.