Each year on May 26, Australians observe National Sorry Day, a significant date that invites us to remember and reflect on one of the most painful chapters in the nation’s history. It is a day that acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations, children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities under government policies that spanned more than a century.

The children who became known as the Stolen Generations were taken from their homes as part of assimilation practices that sought to erase Indigenous cultures and identities. These policies caused deep and lasting trauma that continues to affect families and communities across generations.

National Sorry Day recognises this trauma and honours the resilience of those who lived through it.

The day was first commemorated in 1998, following the release of the Bringing Them Home report in 1997. This landmark report documented the experiences of those who had been removed from their families and made recommendations for justice and healing.

Sorry Day is not a celebration. It is a solemn moment in our national calendar that asks Australians to confront the truth of our history. It is a day to acknowledge the past, to sit with the stories of grief and survival, and to understand that saying sorry is only the beginning. The true work of reconciliation requires listening, understanding, and meaningful action.

Marking National Sorry Day can take many forms. People attend community events and memorials, share and listen to stories from Stolen Generations survivors, and engage with resources that deepen understanding of this part of Australian history. Many people also wear the purple hibiscus flower, a symbol of remembrance and resilience associated with the day.

National Sorry Day is ultimately a call to walk together toward healing.

It reminds us that while an apology matters, justice requires continued effort. It asks all Australians to learn, to remember, and to act in support of truth-telling, recognition, and respect. On May 26, we are reminded of the strength of those who endured unimaginable loss, and of our collective responsibility to ensure that the mistakes of the past are never repeated.

You can learn more about the Bringing Them Home Report here.