|
Date |
Day/Event |
Significance |
|---|---|---|
|
26 January |
Survival Day |
The day Captain Arthur Phillip proclaimed British sovereignty by raising the Union Jack flag at Sydney Cove. Considered a day of mourning to many First Nations peoples as it signifies the start of colonisation. |
|
13 February |
National Apology to the Stolen Generation Anniversary |
In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd provided a formal apology to First Nations peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations, for the harm and trauma caused by their mistreatment. |
|
17 March |
Close the Gap Day |
Launched in 2007 to highlight the disparity between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians in health outcomes, life expectancy and economic opportunity. |
|
26 May |
National Sorry Day |
Acknowledges members of the Stolen Generation - the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities. |
|
27 May |
Anniversary of 1967 Referendum |
Over 90% of Australians voted to remove clauses that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples from the Australian Constitution. The changes also allowed the Commonwealth Government to make laws that affected Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. |
|
27 May - 3 June |
National Reconciliation Week |
An opportunity to learn about Indigenous history, culture and achievements and explore how we can all contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. |
|
3 June |
Mabo Day |
Commemorates Eddie 'Koiko' Mabo who fought the laws on land ownership to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' as the traditional owners of their land. In 1992, the High Court of Australia recognised that terra nullius (land belonging to no one) should not have been applied to Australia and it paved the way for the Native Title Act. |
|
First Week of July |
NAIDOC Week |
A week that celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' culture, heritage, and achievements. ACU typically celebrates NAIDOC Week in August - so students can be involved in the activities at the commencement of Semester 2. |
|
4 August |
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day |
Celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Historically used to celebrate the birthdays of the Stolen Generations. |
|
9 August |
UN International Day of World's Indigenous People |
A day that recognises the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples across the world and to celebrate their achievements, contributions, and culture. |
|
1st Wednesday in September |
Indigenous Literacy Day |
Hosted by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation to highlight the struggle of children in remote communities to access literacy resources. |
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