Is your organisation celebrating important First Nations Dates?

Important First Nations Dates

There are a variety of First Nations dates that should all be commemorated in any organisation. It strengthens people’s loyalty and fosters solidarity among them. The following are some national dates:

13 February Anniversary of National Apology Day

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd apologised to Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, notably the Stolen Generations, for the injustices of past government policies on February 13, 2008.

17 March National Close the Gap Day

National Close the Gap Day is an annual event that raises awareness and aims to close the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians regarding life expectancy, child mortality, and educational and employment results.

26 May National Sorry Day

National Sorry Day is an occasion for people to come together and share the Stolen Generations, their families, and communities’ healing journeys.

27 May 1967 Referendum

Following decades of agitation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous people, the 1967 Referendum saw more than 90% of Australians vote in favour of changing two sections of the Australian Constitution.

27 May to 3 June National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week commemorates the anniversaries of the victorious 1967 Referendum and the High Court Mabo decision, two significant milestones in the reconciliation process.

3 June Mabo Day

The principle of “terra nullius,” or “nobody’s land,” as claimed by the British when they first arrived in Australia, was overruled by the High Court of Australia on June 3, 1992. Native Title legislation has been made possible as a result of the ruling.

3 July to 10 July  NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week commemorates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ history, culture, and achievements throughout Australia.

4 August National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day is a chance for all Australians to learn about the vital role that community, culture, and family play in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

9 August International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples

People worldwide are encouraged to disseminate the United Nations’ message on the protection and promotion of Indigenous peoples’ rights on this day.

1 September Indigenous Literacy Day

Indigenous Literacy Day is a national commemoration of culture, stories, language, and literacy among indigenous peoples. This day raises awareness of the challenges that isolated communities face and pushes for increased access to literacy resources.

13 September Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People

On Thursday, September 13, 2007, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

To find out how your organisation can best celebrate/commemorate these dates, contact us about our Indigenous Consulting Services. 

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