National Reconciliation Week (27 May - 3 June) is an opportunity for all Australians to gain greater awareness of First Nations peoples, stories, voices, cultures and achievements. For children, breaking down prejudices can start at a young age, and educators, librarians, parents and carers can use stories to increase understanding, empathy and kindness. In the lead up to National Reconciliation Week and beyond, children and families can watch titles from our First Nations Stories collection, or explore selected stories below, to learn more about celebrated First Nations legends, celebrations and more.

The National Reconciliation Week 2022 theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians— individuals, families, communities, organisations and government—to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation so we can Make Change for the benefit of all Australians. Find posters and resources here.

Adapted from Briggs’ celebrated song 'The Children Came Back', Our Home, Our Heartbeat is a celebration of past and present First Nations legends, as well as emerging generations, and at its heart honours the oldest continuous culture on earth. Watch Adam Briggs talk about his book in our short film, Behind the Book - Our Home, Our Heartbeat.

Giilang' means Story' in Wiradjuri. 

What does Story mean to you?

Meet the storytellers of First Nations Stories (previously titled Indigenous Story Time), as they reflect on what Story means to them and their families, and the ways we share our experiences and identities. Watch our short film, Stories Connect Us All.

Read by singer Isaiah Firebrace, My Country is a jubilant journey through a child's home country, celebrating the joys of nature and emphasizing the connection between Indigenous Australians and their land.

Baby Business tells the story of a Darug baby smoking ceremony that welcomes baby to country and read by Bianca Hunt.

Found is a gentle story set in the rugged Australian bush, about a small calf who becomes separated from his family. Written by Bruce Pascoe, illustrated by Charmaine Ledden-Lewis and read by Emma Donovan. Also available in Auslan.

Welcome to the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People.

We are part of this land and the land is part of us.

This is where we come from.

Wominjeka Wurundjeri balluk yearmenn koondee bik.

Welcome to Country.

Respected Elder Aunty Joy Murphy welcomes us to Country with a Wurundjeri Wominjeka (welcome) and beautifully, yet simply, explains the concept of welcoming ceremonies and their significance to Aboriginal communities across Australia. Watch Welcome to Country.

Brother Moon is a powerful story lovingly told by a great-grandfather to his great-grandson.

Beneath the dark sky of the Northern Territory, Hippy-Boy is captivated when Great-Grandpa Liman tells him the mysterious story of his brother and how it guides his connection to Country.

Brother Moon is written by Maree McCarthy Yoelu, illustrated by Samantha Fry and read by Tony Briggs. 

Using the rainbow as a metaphor for our diversity and uniqueness, First Nations author Ezekiel Kwaymullina joins forces with award-winning illustrator Moira Court in this gorgeous story, Colour Me. Luminous screen prints and evocative prose celebrate every individual colour as well as the power of their combination. Read by Ellen van Neerven.

Join the Story Box Library Reading Challenge - NAIDOC Week

Encourage young kids to learn more about First Nations stories, voices, cultures and histories,  by participating in the Story Box Library Reading Challenge in four steps:

  1. Watch the story read.

  2. Learn more with Short Films.

  3. Play with Activity Time.

  4. Borrow and discover more!

Learn more here about the Reading Challenge, and download activity resources for your school or public library now.