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As we step into 2025, we wanted to share with you a comprehensive guide to the year's most significant dates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Whether you're an ally looking to show support, someone eager to learn more, or simply wanting to mark these important dates in your calendar, we've got you covered with this complete guide for 2025.
January
26 January - Survival Day/Invasion Day/Day of Mourning
While officially known as Australia Day, for many First Nations people this date represents a day of mourning and reflection on colonisation's impact.
"Australia Day" parade, Adelaide. 2019
February
13 February - Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations Marking Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's formal apology in 2008 to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for past government policies of forced child removal.
21 February - International Mother Language Day
Celebrating linguistic diversity and promoting mother tongue-based multilingual education.
March
21 March - Harmony Day/International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
This year's theme is 'Harmony: We All Have A Role To Play!'
21 March - National Close the Gap Day
A day focused on achieving Indigenous health equality.
May
(Date TBC) - Anniversary of the 2017 Uluru Statement From the Heart
26 May - National Sorry Day
Commemorating the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families.
27 May - 3 June - National Reconciliation Week
Including: • 27 May - Anniversary of 1967 Referendum • 28 May - Anniversary of the 2000 Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk for Reconciliation • 29 May - Anniversary of the Torres Strait Islander Flag • 3 June - Mabo Day. The theme for this year's NRW is 'Bridging Now to Next'.
Hundreds of thousands walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the Walk for Reconciliation as part of Corroboree 2000. (AAP: Dave Hunt)
June
3 June - Mabo Day
Commemorating Eddie Koiki Mabo and the landmark High Court decision recognising Native Title.
July
1 July - Coming of the Light Festival
Marking the arrival of Christianity in the Torres Strait.
First week of the month - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander HIV Awareness Week
3-10 July - NAIDOC Week
Annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures (2025 theme to be announced).
12 July - Anniversary of the Aboriginal Flag
Celebrating the iconic flag designed by Harold Thomas.
Coming of the Light Festival celebrations int the Torres Strait Islands.
August
4 August - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day
9 August - International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
Last Thursday of the month - Indigenous Peoples' Day
September
4 September - Indigenous Literacy Day
An annual celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ stories, cultures, and languages.
13 September - Anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
October
26 October - Anniversary of the 1985 Return of Uluru to its Traditional Owners
The Governor-General of Australia returned the title deeds to the park to Aṉangu in a handback ceremony on the oval in Muṯitjulu community. In return, Aṉangu leased the land to the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service (now Parks Australia) for 99 years.
December
10 December - Human Rights Day
Handback of Uluru to the Anangu Peoples. Traditional owners Peter Bulla, Peter Kanari, Nipper Winmarti and his wife, Barbara Tjirkadu, with Sir Ninian Stephen and Clyde Holding and Barry Cohen, 26 October 1985
Important Note: These dates represent nationally recognised events, but many local communities hold their own significant celebrations throughout the year. We recommend checking with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations for events in your area.
Want to Learn More? To show respect and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, consider: • Attending local events • Learning about the significance of each date • Supporting Indigenous-led organisations • Educating others about these important dates • Participating in community activities
