Significant dates

The Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment and Engagement (OATSIEE) recognises key dates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during the year, including:

• January 26: Survival Day – British settlement (1788)
• February 13: Apology Day – apology to the Stolen Generation (2008)
• March 21: Harmony Day – everyone belongs (1999)
• March: (date varies) Close the Gap Day – recognises health discrepancies (2006)
• May 26: Sorry Day – acknowledges the Stolen Generation (1998)
• May 27 – June 3: Reconciliation Week
• 27 May 1967: Referendum in favour of recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in census
• June 3: Mabo Day - acknowledging the special relationship Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have with the land
• July 1: Coming of the Light – acceptance of missionaries arriving at Torres Strait (1871)
• July (from first Sunday: National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week – celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture (1957)
• August 4: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day – celebrating the role of children in culture (1988)
• August 9: International Day of the World’s Indigenous People – pledges United Nations support for promotion and protection of the rights of Indigenous peoples (1995)