Importance of recognising & acknowledging National Sorry Day

National Sorry Day holds great significance as a moment of reflection, empathy, and healing for the historical injustices endured by First Nations peoples: the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, known as the Stolen Generations.

This annual observance provides an opportunity to acknowledge the pain and suffering caused by past government policies and actions, and to pave the way for reconciliation and understanding. Recognising Australia’s National Sorry Day is not only important for the Indigenous community, but for all Australians committed to building a more inclusive and reconciled society.

What is National Sorry Day?

Teachers and educators play important a role in helping children to grow up with a fuller understanding of the different histories and cultures experienced by the peoples of this country.

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 20^th century.

Australia’s National Sorry Day primarily commemorates the Stolen Generations—the Indigenous children forcibly removed from their families between the late 1800s and the 1970s. Recognising this dark chapter in Australia’s history is crucial to confront the pain and trauma experienced by those affected and their families. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing intergenerational impact and the urgent need for healing and redress.

Why is Acknowledging Sorry Day So Important?

1. It supports truth-telling.

Australia cannot move forward in reconciliation without acknowledging the truth of our past. Recognising Sorry Day helps raise awareness of the policies that led to the Stolen Generations and invites us all to understand the ongoing trauma they caused.

2. It shows respect.

By taking time to acknowledge the pain and strength of Stolen Generations survivors and their families, we show that their stories matter. Respect is at the heart of any genuine relationship with First Nations people.

3. It models empathy for future generations.

Children and young people learn from what we prioritise. When we mark Sorry Day in schools and early learning environments, we create a space for young Australians to learn about injustice, build empathy, and grow into respectful allies.

4. It contributes to reconciliation.

Acknowledging Sorry Day is a tangible step towards the larger goal of reconciliation. It reminds us that reconciliation is more than a word — it’s a commitment to justice, equity, and a better future for all.

How to Acknowledge National Sorry Day in Schools and Services

Begin with an Acknowledgement of Country and explain its meaning.
Display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in visible areas.
Read books and stories that share First Nations voices and experiences.
Use age-appropriate resources to talk about the Stolen Generations and the importance of saying sorry.
Invite local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to speak, share or guide learning.

Ways to recognise National Sorry Day in an organisation:

Consider including information on National Sorry Day as part of the opening of your National Sorry Day event (after the Welcome to Country or Acknowledgement of Country).

You might, as appropriate, incorporate a number of commemorative components into your National Sorry Day events that would aid in the process of healing and rapprochement. Examples include:

Play the Nomad Apology clip (It’s time), a powerful clip, that will help motivate and inspire those in attendance;

‘Smoking Ceremony’, in order to cleanse the area and harmonise the energy of everyone present. This should be led by a locally respected and appropriate local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community member;

A flag raising ceremony (to either full or half-mast), where the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and the Australian Flags are raised, to show the respect that the event has for all Australian peoples;

Play some of the Stolen Generations music and songs with messages of healing recommended later in this resource (e.g., Archie Roach’s ‘Took the Children Away’) and encourage your students to develop a dance or performance to convey the meaning;

Read Archie Roach’s book ‘Took the Children Away’ and have a discussion with children about the story, how people may have felt in different parts of the book;
A minute’s silence, to remember the Stolen Generations;

More information & resources:

The Teaching about the Stolen Generations fact sheet was developed by Narragunnawali and provides guidelines to support and assist teachers in teaching about the Stolen Generations in a respectful and appropriate way.
Healing Foundation: Stolen Generations Resource Kit for Students and Teachers. Includes survivors stories, lesson plans for years F – 9 and a Home Learning Kit.
Reconciliation Australia: The official website of Reconciliation Australia offers information about National Sorry Day, including its significance, history, and events.
In response to the first recommendation of the Bringing them Home report, the National Library of Australia conducted the Bringing them Home Oral History Project. The Bringing Them Home Oral History Project ran from 1998 to 2002 and served to collect and preserve the stories of Indigenous people and others, such as missionaries, police and administrators involved in or affected by the process of child removals.
National Museum of Australia: ‘Bringing them home’ 2008: National apology to the Stolen Generations” – Digital Classroom Resource
Watch the Apology by the then Prime Minister, Hon. Kevin Rudd

Start with Respect, Continue With Action

Recognising Sorry Day is not just about looking back — it’s about looking forward with a commitment to do better.

When we recognise Sorry Day in meaningful ways, we contribute to healing. We show First Nations students, families, and communities that their stories matter, that their pain is acknowledged, and that their future is worth investing in.

Let this May 26 be a reminder that sorry means you don’t forget.

Explore our National Sorry Day resources

Songlines Art, Culture, Education offers a range of culturally safe, educator-developed resources to support your Sorry Day, Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week planning.