REAIE’s National Sorry Day Statement for May 26th, 2025
National Sorry Day was first commemorated on 26th May 1998, following the tabling in Parliament of the report Bringing Them Home which offered insights into the Government inquiry into the polices surrounding the forcible removal of children from their families and communities.
Ten years later, (February 2008), then Prime Minister Keven Rudd offered a formal apology on behalf of the Nation, to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples for the mistreatment of, and trauma incurred by children removed from their homes and separated from language, culture, and community.
Known as the Stolen Generation, many children and families were never to be reunited. In acknowledging the injustices of these practices, Sorry Day seeks to honour the strength of those who survived and continue to this day, to live with the trauma of not knowing their family history, culture and traditions.
On this day of remembrance and deep reflection and in the spirit of true and lasting reconciliation, REAIE invites educators, children, and families to reflect on their personal and collective actions and the responsibilities we share as a nation towards the healing process.
Websites to support understanding and share with your community
https://healingfoundation.org.au/sorryday/
Includes events being held to commemorate Sorry Day in each State and Territory
