Significant Dates

13 February commemorates the anniversary of the formal apology issued by the Australian government and Parliament in 2008 to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations.

National Close the Gap Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the health crisis facing Aboriginal communities.

21 March 2018, the Kaurna Nation celebrated a significant milestone during a heartfelt Federal Court hearing, where the Kaurna people were officially recognized as the Traditional Land Owners of specific areas in the Adelaide region.

This was the first instance of Native Title being granted for land in an Australian capital city, following an application lodged 18 years earlier in October 2000. More information is available on the National Native Title Tribunal website.

In 1967, over 90 per cent of Australians voted in a referendum to amend the Australian Constitution by removing clauses that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This referendum also empowered the Commonwealth Government to legislate on behalf of these communities.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to reflect on our shared histories, cultures, and accomplishments, while considering how we can contribute to reconciliation in Australia.

This week is observed annually from 27 May to 3 June, marking two key events in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 Referendum and the High Court's Mabo decision.

Mabo Day commemorates the landmark High Court ruling on 3 June 1992, which recognized Eddie Mabo and other claimants' assertion that their people had occupied Mer Island prior to British colonization. This day holds special importance for Torres Strait Islander Australians.

This day is significant for Torres Strait Islander Australians as it marks the arrival of the London Missionary Society on Erub Island on 1 July 1871.

Torres Strait Islander Christians celebrate The Coming of the Light with religious and cultural ceremonies throughout the region and on the mainland.

NAIDOC Week, which stands for National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee, celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and acknowledges the contributions of Indigenous Australians across various fields. Its origins date back to the 1920s, when Aboriginal groups began advocating for awareness of Indigenous issues.

All Australians are encouraged to participate in NAIDOC Week events. The 2025 theme is "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy."

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day, along with the week leading up to it, is a time for families to celebrate the strengths and cultures of their children. This day invites all Australians to support Aboriginal children and recognize the vital roles that community, culture, and family play in their lives.

Annually observed, the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples promotes and protects the rights of Indigenous populations globally. It also highlights their contributions to addressing global challenges such as environmental protection.

This day was established by the UN General Assembly in December 1994, commemorating the first meeting of the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations in 1982.

Indigenous Literacy Day aims to raise funds to enhance literacy levels and improve opportunities for Indigenous Australians in remote areas. Support is needed to provide books and resources for children in these communities.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 13 September 2007, during its 61st session in New York City.