Indigenous Literacy Day celebrates strength in our stories

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation will mark its biggest celebration of the year on Wednesday 3 September 2025, with Indigenous Literacy Day – a national event honouring the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander storytelling, language and culture. This year’s theme, “Strength in Our Stories: For Now & Future Generations,” recognises the power of storytelling to connect us across generations and shape the future.

Indigenous Literacy Day is celebrating its 18th year. Pictured is Elder Miss Daisy and students in Warakurna. Source: Supplied / Supplied by ILF

In collaboration with the Sydney Opera House, the day kicks off with a special film and livestream that will showcase stories from 3 Indigenous communities across Australia, followed by a celebration live from the Sydney Opera House.

We will hear from ILF Ambassadors, students and storytellers, including special guests students from Katherine High School and Redfern Jarjum College. The Katherine students, who co-authored the bilingual book Grinch det K’Taun Krok! in Kriol and English, will be there to join the celebration.

NITV Radio spoke with Indigenous Literacy Foundation CEO, Ben Bowen about the significance of the day and the vital work being done to make sure our stories and languages are being told by our mob for future generations.