Culturally important dates
The following is a list of culturally important dates that celebrate or recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture.
13 February – Anniversary of National Apology Day
On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the National Apology to Australia's Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples for the injustices of past government policies, particularly to the Stolen Generations.
21 March – National Close the Gap Day
National Close the Gap Day, observed on the third Thursday in March, raises awareness and seeks to close the gap with respect to life expectancy, child mortality, educational and employment outcomes between Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and non-Indigenous Australians.
26 May – National Sorry Day
National Sorry Day provides an opportunity for people to come together and share the journey towards healing for the Stolen Generations, their families and communities.
27 May – 1967 Referendum
The 1967 Referendum was a landmark achievement following decades of activism by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people, where more than 90 percent of Australians voted in favour of amending two sections of the Australian Constitution.
27 May to 3 June – National Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week celebrations commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey-the anniversaries of the successful 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo Decision.
3 June – Mabo Day
On 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia overturned the principle of "terra nullius" or "nobody's land" as claimed by the British when they first arrived in this country. The decision has paved the way for Native Title legislation.
1 July – Coming of the Light
The Coming of the Light is celebrated annually by Torres Strait Islander peoples. It marks the adoption of Christianity through island communities during the late nineteenth century.
7 July to 14 July – NAIDOC Week
NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia to celebrate history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
4 August – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about the crucial impact that community, culture and family play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.
9 August – International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
On this day, people from around the world are encouraged to spread the United Nation's message on the protection and promotion of the rights of Indigenous peoples.
4 September – Indigenous Literacy Day
Indigenous Literacy Day is a national celebration of culture, stories, language and literacy. This day raises awareness of the disadvantages experienced in remote communities and advocates for more access to literacy resources.
13 September – Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) was adopted by the General Assembly on Thursday, 13 September 2007.