National Sorry Day is observed in Australia on May 26th each year. It is a day dedicated to acknowledging and reflecting upon the historical mistreatment and injustices experienced by Indigenous Australians, particularly members of the Stolen Generations.
The Stolen Generations refers to the policies and practices that led to the forced removal of Indigenous children from their families and communities by government authorities and church missions. These policies were implemented in Australia throughout much of the 19th and 20th centuries, with the aim of assimilating Indigenous children into European culture.
National Sorry Day provides an opportunity for Australians to recognize the profound and lasting impact of these policies on Indigenous individuals, families, and communities. It is a day for reconciliation, healing, and understanding, as well as a time to acknowledge the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous peoples in Australia.
One of the significant events associated with National Sorry Day is the National Apology delivered by then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on February 13, 2008. In this apology, the Australian government officially acknowledged the harm caused by past policies of forced removal and expressed remorse for the pain and suffering endured by the Stolen Generations and their descendants.
Since then, National Sorry Day has become an important part of Australia’s efforts towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. It is observed through various events and activities, including ceremonies, community gatherings, cultural performances, and educational initiatives aimed at promoting understanding, healing, and unity. Read more at reconciliation.org.au
