National Sorry Day is held on the 26th May every year to mark the anniversary of the "Bringing Them Home" inquiry that was table in Parliament and is an Australia-wide day of observance that provides everyone a chance to come together and share the vital steps towards healing for the children of the Stolen Generation, their families and their communities.
On this day there are many National Sorry Day events and activities that take place throughout Australia. Some of these include: · Concerts and barbecues. · Reconciliation walks or street marches. · Sorry Day flag raising events. · Morning teas or lunches. · Speeches from community leaders, including Indigenous Australian elders, as well as educators. · Media statements from politicians within federal, state and local governments. · Signing of ‘Sorry Books’ · School Essay and Film Competitions Australia’s Prime Minister in 2008, Kevin Rudd, tabled a motion in parliament on February 13, where he apologized to Australia’s Indigenous people, particularly the Stolen Generations and their families and communities, for the laws and policies that inflicted grief, suffering and loss. The Aboriginal flag and the Torres Strait Islander flag are often seen flying proudly on National Sorry Day. |
Kevin Rudd - The Apology |