Significant dates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Survival Day

A day to honour the strength and survival of First Nations peoples and cultures in the face of oppression, assimilation and colonisation, injustice and the ongoing impacts since the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. Also known as Invasion Day and Day of Mourning, it is a time for reflection, truth-telling and recognition.

National Apology to the Stolen Genderations
Marks the anniversary of the 2008 apology to the Stolen Generations, delivered by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. It acknowledges the harm caused by past policies, and the importance of saying sorry as part of the healing process.

National Close the Gap Day
Observed on the third Thursday of March, National Close the Gap Day raises awareness of health inequalities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It advocates for improvements in healthcare, education, employment, and wellbeing to reduce the life expectancy gap between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD)
The UN General Assembly resolution 2142 (XXI), adoped on 26 October 1966, proclaimed 21 March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination to be commemorated annually.

Harmony Day
This day promotes respect, inclusion and belonging for everyone. It also highlights the global commitment to ending racial discrimination.
In Australia, Harmony Week runs from 20-26 March. It celebrates our cultural diversity and brings people together from all backgrounds.

Anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody 1991
The final report, signed on 15 April 1991, made 339 recommendations to improve justice systems and prevent deaths in custody. It remains a key moment in the fight for accountability.

National Sorry Day
A day to remember the Stolen Generations – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were removed from their families under past government policies. It marks the anniversary of the Bringing Them Home report being tabled in Parliament on 5 April 1997.

This landmark document detailed the devastating impact of the Stolen Generations on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It shared their stories of loss, pain and resilience and called for government action to address the intergenerational trauma caused by these policies and for recognition and healing.

Anniversary of 1967 Referendum
Celebrates the vote that changed the Constitution to include Aboriginal peoples in the census and allow federal laws for all Australians. Over 90% of Australians voted yes.

National Reconciliation Week
A time to reflect on the relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. It encourages all Australians to learn about shared histories, cultures and achievements, and to take steps towards reconciliation.

Mabo Day
Marks the 1992 High Court of Australia landmark decision in the Mabo case, overturning the legal concept of terra nullius – land belonging to no one. It honours Eddie Mabo’s fight for land rights and the legacy of the Meriam people. Mabo Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of truth, recognition and justice.

Coming of the Light Festival

Celebrated in the Torres Strait Islands, this day marks the introduction of Christianity in 1871. Also known as Keriba Lagaw Buiya in traditional language, it’s a time of cultural pride, storytelling and celebration, blending faith and tradition in meaningful ways.

NAIDOC Week
A national celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ history, culture and achievements commencing on the first Sunday of July each year. Events are held across Australia to recognise the strength, resilience and contributions of First Nations peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to engage with the oldest continuing cultures on earth.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day
A day to celebrate the strength and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. It highlights the importance of family, community and connection to culture in helping children grow strong. The date was historically used to mark the birthdays of Stolen Generations children who did not know their birthdates, symbolising resilience and hope for the future.

International Day of World's Indigenous Peoples (UN)
Celebrated internationally, this day acknowledges the contributions of Indigenous peoples to the world’s cultural and environmental heritage. It raises awareness of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities globally, including discrimination, poverty, and human rights violations, while celebrating their enduring resilience and achievements.

Indigenous Literacy Day
Indigenous Literacy Day promotes equal access to literacy resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in remote communities. The day also celebrates and advocates for the preservation of Indigenous languages, ensuring cultural knowledge is passed down to future generations.

Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) outlines a framework for recognising and protecting the rights of Indigenous peoples globally.It emphasises self-determination, cultural preservation, and the importance of eliminating discrimination.

Uluru Returned
On 26 October 1985, Uluru was officially returned to the Anangu people, its Traditional Owners, by the Australian Government. This landmark moment acknowledged the deep cultural and spiritual significance of Uluru to the Anangu. The handback remains a symbol of Indigenous land rights and cultural recognition. Today, Uluru stands as a powerful icon of First Nations resilience and connection to Country.

Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on 10 December. It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adoped the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).