Message Board
Aunty Violet Sheridan
Senior Ngunnawal Elder
From a Ngunnawal perspective, the theme for Children's Week 2026 is incredibly important. It focuses on every child's right to speak their own language, celebrate their culture, and follow their religion.
For thousands of years, Ngunnawal people have lived with the understanding that knowing your identity keeps you strong. In our culture, children are often compared to budjan (birds). They are full of energy, always listening closely to the world around them, and preparing to take flight into the future.
This theme is not a new idea for Indigenous Australians. It is a way of life that has been practiced for generations. Letting young people learn and share their heritage is essential for their spirit and well-being. When a young person speaks Ngunnawal words, they are doing something much deeper than just talking. They are bringing the ancient language of our ancestors back to life and keeping our history alive today.
To truly honour this right, we must listen to the wisdom of our Elders. We need to make sure that our kids grow up feeling proud of who they are and where they come from. When we create a safe space where every single child's heritage is respected and celebrated, we build a much better community. This helps the next generation grow up with a strong sense of truth, healing, and pride. By protecting these rights, we ensure that the sacred fires of our culture never go out.
For thousands of years, Ngunnawal people have lived with the understanding that knowing your identity keeps you strong. In our culture, children are often compared to budjan (birds). They are full of energy, always listening closely to the world around them, and preparing to take flight into the future.
This theme is not a new idea for Indigenous Australians. It is a way of life that has been practiced for generations. Letting young people learn and share their heritage is essential for their spirit and well-being. When a young person speaks Ngunnawal words, they are doing something much deeper than just talking. They are bringing the ancient language of our ancestors back to life and keeping our history alive today.
To truly honour this right, we must listen to the wisdom of our Elders. We need to make sure that our kids grow up feeling proud of who they are and where they come from. When we create a safe space where every single child's heritage is respected and celebrated, we build a much better community. This helps the next generation grow up with a strong sense of truth, healing, and pride. By protecting these rights, we ensure that the sacred fires of our culture never go out.
