Indigenous Community Dates
There are a number of significant dates which are marked annually by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These dates are recognised within the local community.
Significant Indigenous Community Dates for 2009 include:
| 26 January |
Day of Mourning/ Survival/ Invasion Day |
On the Australia Day public holiday, the Indigenous community celebrates the survival of Indigenous cultures.
|
21 March
|
Harmony Day |
A day that encourages tolerance between all Australians, regardless of heritage or cultural background. |
26 May
|
National Sorry Day |
Marks the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. Sorry Day is followed by National Reconciliation Week. |
|
27 May - 3 June
|
National Reconciliation Week |
Beginning with National Sorry Day, this week is celebrated with activities across Australia, the week ends with Mabo Day. |
3 June
|
Mabo Day |
Commemorates the 1992 High Court decision that recognised the existence of native title rights in Australia. |
| 1 July |
Coming of the Light Festival |
The day Torres Strait Islanders both in the Strait and on mainland Australia commemorate, with religious and cultural ceremonies, the day in 1871 when the London Missionary Society first arrived in the Torres Strait. |
|
6 - 13 July
|
NAIDOC Week
|
NAIDOC stands for National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee; this is a week that celebrates Aboriginal and Islander people and culture. It was established as National Aborigines Day but has since grown to a week-long event. The week is marked with different activities, with each year having a different theme.
|
| 4 August |
National Aboriginal and Islander Children's Day |
First observed in 1988 each year, this day is marked with a special theme each year.
|
9 August
|
International Day of the World's Indigenous People
|
A day marked to recognise indigenous history, culture, languages, rights and aspirations throughout the world. It is celebrated with activities highlighting Indigenous Peoples and their culture.
|