Today is Indigenous Literacy Day.

The Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF) does amazing work to foster literacy in remote communities around Australia and close the gap on literacy and numeracy. Research has found that the ability to read opens doors to life-long learning; the ILF provides resources and programs to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in remote communities build their literacy skills, prepare for school and start on the path to a rich and proud future. This wonderful little video is an inspirational introduction to the work that ILF does.

Today the ILF is also launching the latest book in their community publishing program – I Saw, We Saw (Djamarrkuli’wu Yolgnumurru Dharuk).

It’s written by the Yolŋu students who live near Nhulunbuy, a small town in north-east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, where life revolves around the sea, whether it be hunting, fishing or playing. In Nhulunbuy, there’s always something to see and do and this forms the inspiration for this stunningly illustrated book, where readers can dive in and explore the fascinating and diverse world of these students’ lives.

Can you help? You can donate to ILF by clicking here. Your support, no matter how large or small, will really make a difference.

Today Readings will also be donating 10% of our book sales to the ILF, on top of our ongoing support. You might even like to buy a book from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander author to add an extra layer of support on this important day. Find some of our staff recommends here.