Join the Virtual Celebration: Indigenous Literacy Day, Wednesday 1 September 2021

Indigenous Literacy Day goes live around Australia!

When: Wednesday 1 September at 9am

Where: www.ild.org.au

A free virtual celebration

Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF), now in its 11th year, is an independent Foundation of the Australian Book Industry. This year’s Indigenous Literacy Day (ILD) is a national advocacy day that aims to build awareness of the richness, diversity and value of First Nations languages and stories from many voices.

In 2020, COVID-19 saw the ILF pivot to a digital format. The virtual event provided a more inclusive celebration and was overwhelmingly received with over 500,000 views from across the country.

With the theme for the 2021 event, celebrating stories and language, the event has again morphed to include stories from other First Nations organisations, communities, children, authors and individuals.

What’s on offer?

1) Over 50 short video stories shared by First Nations communities, organisations and individuals. All videos go live at 9am on 1 September at www.ild.org.au. There is no cost to view and if you register on the site, you will be sent a reminder on the day.

2) A 25-minute pre-recorded event for children 4-11 years of age. This is hosted by dynamic performer, bestselling author, musician, artist and ILF ambassador, Gregg Dreise, a proud descendant from the Goomeri and Yuwalayaay people in south western QLD and north west of NSW and with special guest appearance by Australia’s favourite pop singer and ILF ambassador, Jessica Mauboy.

The event is fast-paced and fun with two story animations in Kriol and a virtual flight to the Tiwi Islands to join local children at the islands swimming hole and on a hunt for mussels in the mangroves.  This event is supported by the Sydney Opera House’s Creative Digital Learning team and bookings can be made via ild.org.au.

3) To celebrate storytelling, the ILF is excited to offer seven pre-recorded, learning workshops from our most awarded ambassadors and ILF supporters.  Each presenter shares their incredible expertise in storytelling, whether it be through illustration, writing, video or photography. Each workshop suggests an age suitability.

Workshops

There are 6 creative skills development workshops:

1. Alison Lester – Make a book
2. Ann James – Once Upon a Doodle: Stories with Pictures
3. Wayne Quilliam – photography workshop
4. Gregg Dreise – Art, nature, recycling and boomerangs
5. Sean Stark – Hit record with confidence – a step by step guide to digital storytelling
6. Declan Miller – Comic basics shared with Declan’s friend Bob and his box.

Plus, a professional development workshop for primary teachers:

7. Shelley Ware – Embedding First Nations History and Culture in your classroom.

Workshops cost $2 per student (up to 18 years of age) and $20 per adult. Once booked, the link is valid for 3 months.

Donations to the Foundation fund these programs to communities that need them most. The Foundation is encouraging everyone to donate to the Foundation. Every $10 puts a book into the hands of a child in remote Australia. To donate click here.

About the ILF