Key dates of significance

Marks the anniversary of the 2008 National Apology to Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations.

On 13 February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd formally apologised for past government policies that resulted in the forced removal of children from their families.

"We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians. We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities and their country." – Kevin Rudd

A national day raising awareness of the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

Find out more about national Close the Gap Day

Kaurna people were officially recognised as the Traditional Owners of the Adelaide Plains in March 2018 by virtue of the Kaurna Native Title Consent Determination. The historic judgment was 18 years in the making and the first to be granted over a capital city.

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is held annually from 27 May to 3 June. It is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, reflect on the ongoing journey of reconciliation, and consider how each of us can contribute to respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians.

The dates of NRW mark a few significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey:

• 27 May – Marks the 1967 referendum when over 90% of Australians voted to remove discriminatory clauses from the Constitution and allow the Commonwealth to make laws for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• 29 May – Recognises the official presentation of the Torres Strait Islander flag in 1992, symbolising identity, unity and connection to land and sea.
• 3 June – Named "Mabo Day" 

Find out more about Reconciliation Week

NAIDOC Week celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The acronym NAIDOC stands for the National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee.

All Australians are encouraged to participate in events and activities.

Find out more about NAIDOC Week

The Aboriginal flag, designed by Luritja and Wambaya man Harold Thomas, was first flown in Adelaide’s Victoria Square in 1971.

An initiative of SNAICC – National Voice for our Children.

The day celebrates the strengths, culture and leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Find out more about National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day

Established by the United Nations to recognise the rights, cultures and contributions of Indigenous peoples globally.

Find out more about International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

Presented by the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, this day promotes and supports literacy in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly in remote areas.

Find out more about Indigenous Literacy Day

Marks the adoption of the UN Declaration affirming the rights of Indigenous peoples worldwide.

Find out more about the declaration

On this date, the title deeds for Uluru–Kata Tjuta were formally returned to Anangu Traditional Owners.