Day of Mourning (Australia)

The Day of Mourning in Australia, observed annually on January 26th, marks the beginning of British colonization in 1788. It is a day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to reflect on the impacts of colonization—such as dispossession, suffering, and injustice—and to advocate for recognition, reconciliation, and rights. While some Australians celebrate Australia Day with festivities, many Indigenous communities see this day as a time of mourning and a reminder of ongoing struggles for equality and acknowledgment. It fosters dialogue about Australia's history and future relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.