Significant Dates

In New South Wales, and Nationally there are dates that are significant to First Nations peoples, and are celebrated, honoured or remembered by First Nations peoples and non-First Nations peoples alike. 

See below for these dates and information surrounding them.

26 January Survival Day

13 February Anniversary of the Apology

13 March National Close the Gap Day

26 May National Sorry Day commemorates the history of forcible removals of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and placing them in care by non-Indigenous foster parents (the Stolen Generation). Its complementary name is Journey of Healing Day.

27 - 3 June National Reconciliation Week

3 June Mabo Day

2 - 9 July National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Week otherwise known as NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week, has been celebrated since 1975 as a sign of remembrance of Aboriginal people and heritage.

9 July National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Day is celebrated as part of NAIDOC Week.

4 August International Day of the World's Indigenous People

9 August International Day for the World's Indigenous People draws attention to the poverty suffered by many of the world's 350 million Indigenous people.

For further information on significant dates please visit:

Reconciliation NSW Significant Dates