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Get ready to apologize and make amends on National Sorry Day, which falls on May 26th. This day is all about recognizing the importance of forgiveness and saying sorry for any wrongdoings or hurtful actions towards others. It originated in Australia as a way to acknowledge the mistreatment of indigenous people and promote reconciliation. However, it has now become a global movement to spread kindness and understanding among all individuals. So let's take this opportunity to mend relationships, heal wounds, and spread love and compassion on this special day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1883</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Beginnings of Mistreatment</div><div class='timeline-text'>Indigenous children in Australia started being forcibly removed from their families, a practice that would continue into the 1970s, in attempts to assimilate them into non-Indigenous society.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1991</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Royal Commission</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody presented its final report. The commission investigated 99 deaths that occurred in custody over a 10-year period, providing over 300 recommendations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1995</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creating of the 'Bringing Them Home' Report</div><div class='timeline-text'>Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission initiates a national Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families, also known as the 'Bringing Them Home' report.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First National Sorry Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first National Sorry Day is held one year after the tabling of the 'Bringing Them Home report' in Australia's Parliament - this report highlighted the effects of forcible removal on Indigenous Australians.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Official Apology</div><div class='timeline-text'>Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd officially apologises to the Indigenous Australians for policies of successive parliaments and governments, recognizing the pain caused by forced separations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Sorry Day Goes Global</div><div class='timeline-text'>The ethos behind National Sorry Day begins to transcend national borders. It is adopted by various groups around the globe as a day to acknowledge wrongdoings and promote kindness and understanding.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Sorry Day event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities and organizations hold events on National Sorry Day to recognize and commemorate the wrongs done to Indigenous people in the past. Take part in one of these events to show your support and learn more about this important day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to read and learn about the history of Indigenous people in your country. Understanding the past is crucial in moving towards reconciliation and healing.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support Indigenous businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for Indigenous communities by shopping at businesses owned and operated by Indigenous individuals. This is a great way to show solidarity and contribute to the economic empowerment of these communities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer with an Indigenous organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local organization that supports Indigenous causes and offer your time and skills to help out. This can be a meaningful way to contribute to the community and show your support on National Sorry Day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have conversations about reconciliation</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Start important conversations with friends and family about reconciliation and what can be done to support Indigenous communities. This is a great way to raise awareness and promote understanding on National Sorry Day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It recognizes the struggles and resilience of Indigenous Australians</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge and remember the injustices and atrocities committed against Indigenous Australians. It honors their strength and determination in the face of adversity, and reminds us to continue fighting for reconciliation and justice.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes healing and understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Sorry Day is also a time to reflect on our shared history and understand the impact of colonization on Indigenous communities. By acknowledging past wrongs and seeking to make amends, we can work towards building a more inclusive and compassionate society for all Australians.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It inspires positive change</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Through National Sorry Day, we are reminded of our responsibility to create a better future for all Australians. It encourages conversations about reconciliation, social justice, and human rights, leading to positive action and progress towards a more united nation.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It originated from the Recommendations of the 'Bringing Them Home' Report</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Sorry Day was officially recognized after the 1997 "Bringing Them Home" report prompted the Australian government to designate a day of remembrance for the Stolen Generations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Sea of Hands is a notable visual representation</h3><p class='facts-content'>The "Sea of Hands" installations which appear in public gatherings are symbolic representations of popular support for Aboriginal rights, with each 'hand' signifying an Australian standing in solidarity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Businesses and Schools actively participate</h3><p class='facts-content'>Schools and businesses across Australia participate in National Sorry Day by holding special events, lectures, and curriculum to promote reconciliation and cultural sensitivity.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>National Sorry Day Precedes Reconciliation Week</h3><p class='facts-content'>National Sorry Day marks the start of Reconciliation Week which runs from May 27th to June 3rd, commemorating two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Public places are often named after Indigenous Terms as a gesture of reconciliation</h3><p class='facts-content'>Naming public places by their Indigenous names, especially those places central to the Stolen Generations, is a popular practice for National Sorry Day and the broader reconciliation movement in Australia.</p></div></div>
National Sorry Day is celebrated on May 26 every year. In 2024 National Sorry Day will occur on a Sunday.
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May 26
Friday
2024
May 26
Sunday
2025
May 26
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2026
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2027
May 26
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