Australia Day Research Paper

Decent Essays
days relate to the sadness, loss and denial in their history, and their fight for rights, for land and for recognition.

Special days of significance may include the following:
• 13 February - Anniversary of the Apology
In 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, MP officially apologised nationally for the past injustices to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia. (Australian Government).
• 26 May - National Sorry Day
A day to remember and commemorate the history of unjust mistreatment towards Australia’s indigenous population. (Australian Government).
• 27 May–3 June - Reconciliation Week
This week commences and ends with significant dates in the Reconciliation journey. The 27th May is the anniversary of the 1967 referendum, which resulted in a vote giving the Commonwealth the power to make laws for Indigenous
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A different theme is decided for each year’s day of celebration. (Australian Government).
• 9 August - International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
A day to promote and protect the rights of the world's indigenous population and to celebrate their wonderful achievements and contributions. (Australian Government).

Note of caution
• ‘Australia day’ has over the years been given a number of other names including; ‘Invasion Day’, ‘Day of Mourning’, ‘Survival Day’ or ‘Aboriginal Sovereignty Day’. It is important for care workers to be aware that the 26th January is a day that not only symbolises the arrival of the first fleet in Australia and the founding of the colony in New South Wales but to many Indigenous people it is symbolic of great loss. Many Indigenous mourn their history on this day as it marks the loss of their sovereign rights to their land, loss of family and in many cases the loss of the right to practice their

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