sorry

Today, 26th May, is National Sorry Day. A day which sees Australians express regret for the historical mistreatment of their Aboriginal people.

The first Sorry Day was held in 1998, one year on from the tabling of the Bringing Them Home Report. This report revealed the extent of the forcible removal policies, which were passed and implemented for more than 150 years and into the 1970s. 

This report was the first of its kind in that it presented a complete analysis of the policies which saw the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families from the late 1800s and resulted in the Stolen Generations. It is also the first true ad and comprehensive documentation of first hand testimonies of those taken as children.

The report allowed the truth to be told. And heard.

Sorry Day marked the start of reconciliation. Reconciliation is a long path to embark on. Forgiveness, an even longer one. And we must never forget.

But we do have to start somewhere. And acknowledging, and hearing and striking out on a new path is a good way to start.