National Sorry Day in Australia

National Sorry Day, observed annually on May 26th in Australia, is a day to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of the country's Indigenous peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families by Australian government agencies and church missions between the early 1900s and the 1970s.

History

The concept of National Sorry Day originated from a key recommendation of the 1997 Bringing Them Home Report, which was the result of an inquiry by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission into the forced removal policies. The first National Sorry Day was held on May 26, 1998, one year after this report was published.

Traditions

• Memorial Services and Marches: Communities across Australia hold memorial services to honor those affected by past policies. Marches are also organized to raise awareness.
• Cultural Performances: Indigenous music, dance, and storytelling events take place to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
• Community Activities: Educational workshops, exhibitions, and public readings of stories from the Stolen Generations are conducted to educate Australians about this dark chapter in the nation's history.
• Minute's Silence: A minute’s silence is often observed in remembrance of those who suffered from these historical injustices.

What People Do

On this day, people engage in reflective activities that involve:

• Acknowledging and raising awareness about the history of forcible removals.
• Supporting reconciliation events that foster a sense of community bonding and shared healing.
• Educating themselves and others about Aboriginal culture as well as past wrongdoings to ensure such policies are never repeated.

National Sorry Day precedes another significant event, National Reconciliation Week, which begins on May 27th each year.