National Sorry Day for The Stolen Generation
On this day, it is important to learn about the history, the apology, and the Stolen Generations, through engagement and understanding. National Sorry Day is also a time to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all share in the healing process.
The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998, one year after the Bringing Them Home report was tabled in Parliament. The Bringing Them Home report is a result of a Government Inquiry into the past policies which caused children to be removed from their families and communities in the 20th century.
For those wondering who started Sorry Day, it was a direct outcome of this landmark report and the call for recognition and reconciliation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are still 10.6 times more likely than non-Indigenous children to be removed from their families.
The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998, one year after the Bringing Them Home report was tabled in Parliament. The Bringing Them Home report is a result of a Government Inquiry into the past policies which caused children to be removed from their families and communities in the 20th century.
For those wondering who started Sorry Day, it was a direct outcome of this landmark report and the call for recognition and reconciliation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are still 10.6 times more likely than non-Indigenous children to be removed from their families.
We cannot begin to fix the problems of the present without accepting the truth of our history. Sorry Day Australia asks us to acknowledge the Stolen Generations, and in doing so, reminds us that historical injustice is still an ongoing source of intergenerational trauma for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, communities, and peoples.
Separately from National Sorry Day, on 13th February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology (Now Known as The National Apology) to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly to the Stolen Generations whose lives had been blighted by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation.
This moment of national significance reinforced the importance of what is now known as Stolen Generation Sorry Day, ensuring that truth-telling remains central to reconciliation efforts.
Why National Sorry Day Matters
Sorry Day is more than a date on the calendar — it is a reminder of resilience, recognition, and the ongoing journey toward healing. Observing Stolen Generation Sorry Day allows all Australians to reflect on past injustices and commit to building a future where truth and reconciliation are at the forefront.
Along with Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, it’s a chance to stand with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and ensure that the lessons of history guide our path forward.
Be Apart Of Reconciliation in 2026
At Aboriginal Cultural Immersions, we provide opportunities for non-Aboriginal people to participate in National Sorry Day events across Australia, fostering understanding and contributing to healing and reconciliation.
