Children, Elders, musicians, authors, artists and astrophysicists will come together at the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday 2 September for the 19th Indigenous Literacy Day, with a free Film and Livestream inviting audiences across Australia to celebrate First Nations peoples’ stories, cultures and languages.
Inspired by this year’s theme, Country Is Our Teacher, Indigenous Literacy Day 2026 is presented by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) in collaboration with the Sydney Opera House and hosted by award-winning children’s performer and ILF Ambassador Lucas Proudfoot.
Lucas Proudfoot says, “This year’s ILD is going to be a cracker! Country Is Our Teacher sets the tone perfectly, with stories, music, stars and Country all coming together, from an amazing film from the Central Desert and learning language along the way, to a special book launch and performances from some incredible artists. ”
During the FILM, audiences will meet Niningka and Chris, two young Aboriginal people from Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and Nyirripi in the Northern Territory, as they explore Warlpiri and Arrernte language, plants, animals, culture and caring for Country.
Following the Film, the Livestream will take audiences on an exploration of Sky Country, with ILF Ambassadors and astrophysicists Dr Kirsten Banks and Krystal De Napoli exploring the connections between the stars, Sky Country, science, culture and storytelling.
Dr Kirsten Banks says, “Krystal and I are going to take curious minds on a journey of the night sky to reveal constellations they may not have seen before, and if they have seen them, they won't look at them the same way again."
The celebration will also mark the launch of My Walk Through the Seasons on Ngaanyatjarra Country, a bilingual English and Ngaanyatjarra picture book written by respected Warakurna Elder Daisy Tjuparntarri Ward.
Daisy Tjuparntarri Ward says, “I live on the country my family walked for generations before me. Mum said I was born in Pirriya-Pirriya time, when the sweet flowers were growing. Every season brings something special. Rain, Wind, Fire, Sun. My Country changes, but it’s always home.”
Music will take centre stage with ILF Ambassadors DOBBY and Josh Pyke performing this year’s Busking For Change song, MINYAN NGABANGKA (What’s in the Water?). Co-written by DOBBY, First Nations artist Kelsey Iris and children from Brewarrina, the song features Murrawarri language and celebrates children’s connection to water, Country and Community.
ILF CEO Ben Bowen says, “It's very important for us to come together on days like Indigenous Literacy Day to think, reflect and celebrate stories, cultures and languages. At the ILF, we have an incredible privilege that many Communities trust us with their stories, and it is our honour to showcase them to Australia and to the world. The knowledges celebrated in this year's ILD reminds us that Country is our greatest teacher and invites us to pay respect to the diverse cultures across this vast continent.”
Stuart Buchanan, Sydney Opera House Head of Screen, says, "We are immensely proud of our ongoing collaboration with Indigenous Literacy Day. Sydney Opera House's Digital Creative Learning program reaches more than 350,000 students across over 4,400 schools as well as libraries, public spaces, community centres and homes. This will be our 4th year streaming the event, bringing stellar Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stories and voices to audiences everywhere."
The free Indigenous Literacy Day Film and Livestream begins at 10.30am AEST on Wednesday 2 September 2026 and will be available to watch on demand. Schools, workplaces, libraries, families and audiences of all ages across Australia are invited to join from wherever they are.
Register for the free Film and Livestream at ilf.org.au/ild
Watch the 2026 ILD Reel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9RIXWmU1SY
ILF Ambassadors are available for interviews.
– ENDS –
About us:
About the Indigenous Literacy Foundation
The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) is a national charity working with remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities across Australia. The ILF is Community-led, responding to requests for culturally relevant books, resources and programs, and supporting Communities to create and publish their stories in languages of their choice.
In 2024, the ILF received the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for its outstanding contribution to children’s and young adult literature.
About Indigenous Literacy Day
Indigenous Literacy Day is an annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Stories, Cultures and Languages, held on the first Wednesday of September. In 2027, the Indigenous Literacy Foundation will celebrate 20 years of Indigenous Literacy Day
#ILD2026 #IndigenousLiteracyDay
Contact details:
Jackie Evans, Publicist |Mobile: 0407 776 222 | E: [email protected]
