Indigenous Literacy Day will highlight the role of Indigenous stories, languages and cultures in children's education with a national celebration on Wednesday, 2 September.

This year's theme, "Country is our Teacher", focuses on the knowledge held within Country and the ways children learn through their connections to culture, community and the world around them.

Worimi woman and Twinkl Aboriginal Content Advisor and educator, Belinda Huntriss said the annual event gave children access to authentic First Nations voices and perspectives.

"Indigenous Literacy Day is an opportunity to celebrate the strength, diversity and richness of First Nations stories, languages and cultures, while recognising the important role they continue to play in Australia today," Ms Huntriss said.

"When children engage with stories written and shared by First Nations people, they're hearing authentic voices and perspectives.

"These stories can deepen their understanding of Country, culture, community and connection, while helping First Nations children see themselves, their families and their cultures meaningfully represented."

This year's theme recognises that education extended beyond the classroom.

The theme encourages children and educators to listen, observe and understand the knowledge, stories, languages, histories and relationships held within Country and passed between generations.

Ms Huntriss said Country should be understood as an active part of the learning process.

"As an Aboriginal educator, 'Country is our Teacher' speaks to the understanding that learning doesn't only happen within four walls," she said.

"Country holds knowledge, stories, language, history and relationships that have been passed through generations.

"Country isn't simply something we learn about; it can be something we learn with and from."

The Sydney Opera House celebration will feature song, dance and storytelling, alongside remote Community authors from Warakurna, Western Australia.

The event will also celebrate the launch of *My Walk Through the Seasons on Ngaanyatjarra Country* and be livestreamed nationally for schools and families.

Ms Huntriss encouraged schools to choose material created by or in collaboration with First Nations authors, educators and Communities.

Such resources can help ensure perspectives are based on lived experience and cultural knowledge rather than assumptions or generalisations.

This gives educators greater confidence and allows children to encounter First Nations cultures through people with the right to share those stories.

"Authenticity matters," Ms Huntriss said.

"Resources created with First Nations authors, educators and Communities help ensure those perspectives come from lived experience and cultural knowledge rather than assumptions or generalisations.

"For children, it means encountering First Nations cultures through voices that have the right to tell those stories."

Schools can support Indigenous Literacy Day by watching the free livestream, holding a Great Book Swap or learning a song in an Aboriginal language.

However, Ms Huntriss said First Nations perspectives should not be limited to significant dates and events.

Teachers can begin by using authentic books and stories, learning whose Country their school is on and building relationships with the local Aboriginal Community.

Local languages can also be included where knowledge has been shared and permission has been provided.

Ms Huntriss said regular choices could make First Nations perspectives part of everyday learning.

"It doesn't have to be about doing something big," she said.

"Consistent, respectful choices made throughout the year can help First Nations perspectives become a meaningful and valued part of everyday learning."

Twinkl is sponsoring Indigenous Literacy Day and supporting educators to include First Nations perspectives across its educational resources.