National Sorry Day acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities. In Australia, the 26 May commemorates the Stolen Generations, and is an opportunity to pay respect to survivors, their families, and communities. It is also a time to reflect on the strength of survivors, and the continued impact of forcible removal and assimilation policies.
The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998, one year after The Bringing Them Home report was tabled in parliament. This report was a result of a government inquiry into past policies which saw children being forcibly removed from their families and communities. Ten years later, on 13 February 2008, former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd made a formal apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly to the Stolen Generations. The apology acknowledged that laws and policies had ‘inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these fellow Australians’.
The Bringing Them Home report not only shed light on the monstrosities inflicted on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, but inspired many public and organisational acts of reconciliation, and a time for reflection, empathy and understanding. For many, the day serves as a call for healing, and a commitment to ensure such injustice does not re-occur.
National Sorry Day falls on the day before National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June) begins. In 2024, the theme for NRW is ‘Now More Than Ever’. This acts as a reminder to all of us that the fight for justice and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will – and must continue. We must uphold the rights of First Nations people, dismantle racism, and create opportunity for truth telling.
