Significant dates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Survival Day

Acknowledging the survival of First Nations peoples and their cultures despite the genocide, oppression, assimilation and colonising forces that have occurred since the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. This day is also known as Invasion Day and Day of Mourning.

National Apology Day - Anniversary of Apology in 2008 

On 13 February 2008, then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised on behalf of the Australian Government to the Stolen Generations for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments that inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, especially the Stolen Generations.

National Close the Gap Day.

On 20 March 2008, then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and then Opposition Leader Brendan Nelson, signed the Close the Gap Statement of Intent at the Close the Gap Campaign’s National Indigenous Health Equality Summit, committing to developing a long-term plan of action to achieve equality of health status and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians by 2030.

In 2009 the Australian government committed to an annual report to Parliament detailing the progress of the Closing the Gap strategy.

In 2020, the Closing the Gap framework and strategy was significantly overhauled, with a “greater focus on partnership between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.

National Close the Gap Day is an annual event that raises community awareness.

Harmony Day/ International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UN)

International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UN) promotes an ongoing commitment to anti-racism and highlights the importance of keeping focus on the United Nations Interntional Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination and fighting against all forms of racial discrimination and injustice.

Harmony Week, 20-26 March, is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.

It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.​

National Sorry Day

On 26 May 1997 the landmark Bringing them Home report was tabled in federal parliament. Bringing them Home is the final report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families and was conducted by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (now called the Australian Human Rights Commission) between 1995 and 1997.

On 26 May 1998, the first National Sorry Day was held to commemorate the anniversary of the report and remember the grief, suffering and injustice experienced by the stolen generations.

Anniversary of 1967 Referendum

On 27 May 1967, Australians voted to amend two sections of the Constitution. One of the most successful national campaign’s in Australia’s history saw over 90% of the vote in favour of the changes. The amendments ensured Aboriginal peoples were included in the Australian population and would be counted in the national census. It also meant the Commonwealth now had the ability make special laws for all races, including Aboriginal peoples.

National Reconciliation Week

The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2024, Now More Than Ever, is a reminder to all of us that no matter what, the fight for justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will - and must - continue.

Now more than ever, the work continues. In treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our history, in education, and in tackling racism. We need connection. We need respect. We need action. And we need change.

Mabo Day

On 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia handed down a landmark decision in the Mabo case, overturning the legal concept of terra nullius ~ land belonging to no-one.

In acknowledging the traditional rights of the Meriam people to their land, the court also held that native title existed for all Indigenous people, paving the way for new federal legislation the following year, the Native Title Act 1993.

Coming of the Light Festival

On 1 July 1871, representatives from the London Missionary Society arrived on Erub (Darnley Island) accompanied by South Sea Islander evangelists and teachers, introducing Christianity to the Torres Strait Islands.

Each year on 1 July, ‘The Coming of the Light’ or ‘Keriba Lagaw Buiya’ in traditional language is a day of celebration, performance, oral tradition and reverence.

NAIDOC Week

The 2024 National NAIDOC Week theme is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.

In the first week of July each year, National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day

This day is an opportunity for the broader community to show support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.

International Day of World's Indigenous Peoples (UN)

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is marked each year to raise awareness and to protect and promote the rights of the world's Indigenous populations. It is also an opportunity to celebrate these communities and their achievements and knowledge.