#National #Sorry #Day is an annual event in Australia that takes place on #26 #May. It serves as a solemn occasion to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly separated from their families and communities during the 20th century. These individuals, collectively known as The Stolen Generations, endured the trauma of being taken away from their loved ones in an attempt to assimilate them into white Australian culture.
The first National Sorry Day was held on 26 May 1998, one year after the release of the Bringing Them Home report. This report resulted from a government inquiry into the past policies that led to the removal of children from their families and communities. Since then, National Sorry Day has become a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all contribute to the healing process for our people and nation.
Despite progress, the challenges persist. Even today, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are still 10.6 times more likely than non-Indigenous children to be removed from their families. Recognizing the truth of our history is essential for addressing the ongoing intergenerational trauma faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities. Sorry Day reminds us of this truth and calls for continued efforts toward healing and reconciliation.
Additionally, on 26 May 2017, the Uluru Statement from the Heart was delivered at the conclusion of the 2017 First Nations National Constitutional Convention at Uluru. This consensus document on constitutional recognition was developed by a council of Indigenous and non-Indigenous community leaders, emphasizing the importance of constitutional reform and recognition for First Nations peoples. The journey continues, and National Sorry Day remains a significant date in Australia's history, prompting reflection, empathy, and action. 🌿🖤💛❤️
(1) National Sorry Day - Reconciliation Australia. https://lnkd.in/g6jNty4X.
(2) National Sorry Day - Wikipedia. https://lnkd.in/gZFq32AV.
(3) Today is National Sorry Day, but many Indigenous Australians say they .... https://lnkd.in/gCufkFpU.
Today, on National Sorry Day, we acknowledge, remember, and commemorate all those affected by the Stolen Generations here in Australia. We acknowledge the tangible and ongoing intergenerational effects it has had and continues to have on families, communities, and individuals.