Survival Day, Invasion Day and Day of Mourning

26 January

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and Communities do not experience 26 January as a day of celebration. It may be marked as Survival Day, Invasion Day or a Day of Mourning. The words people use, and the way they observe the date, reflect diverse experiences and perspectives.

The date is connected to the continuing impacts of colonisation and to a long history of First Nations resistance, survival and cultural strength. The 1938 Day of Mourning brought Aboriginal leaders and activists together to demand rights and justice.

Ways to approach the date

• Follow the language and guidance used by local First Nations people and Community-led events.
• Make space for truth-telling, mourning, resistance and survival without assuming one response represents everyone.
• Support First Nations-led organisations, artists, educators and events.

Sources and further reading

This section is under development. More information, sources and further reading will be added as this page grows.

• Common Ground, First Nations dates of significance
• National Museum of Australia, the 1938 Day of Mourning

Related products and resources

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