Anzac Day: First Nations Service and Sacrifice

25 April

Anzac Day is a time to remember people who served and died in wars, conflicts and peace operations. This page centres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diggers, servicewomen, servicepeople, veterans and ex-servicepeople, whose service was often given while they and their families faced discrimination and unequal rights at home.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have served in every military conflict involving Australia since the Boer War. Their stories belong within national and local commemoration, together with recognition of the families and Communities who carried the effects of service.

Ways to mark the date

• Attend an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans’ commemorative ceremony or include First Nations service respectfully within a local Anzac Day program.
• Learn the names and stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander servicepeople connected with your local area.
• Invite veterans, families, Elders and local First Nations rights holders to guide commemoration where appropriate.
• Recognise both military service and the unequal treatment many First Nations veterans experienced when they returned home.

Sources and further reading

• Australian War Memorial, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commemorative Ceremony
• AIATSIS, Military service records
• AIATSIS, Protecting Country, Serving Nation

Related products and resources

We are developing carefully selected learning resources for this date. This page will be updated as suitable resources become available.