National Sorry Day
Every May 26 in Australia, National Sorry Day reminds the colonist-descended people of the nation to remember the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Description
Why observe national sorry day?
During the 20th century, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were forcibly removed from their families to be 'assimilated' into white Australian culture. They are known as the 'stolen generations'. It took several Australian government administrations coming and going before an apology was officially offered to First Nations people, but it finally was made official and actions are still being undertaken to this day to repair the damage caused by tearing native families apart.
How to observe National Sorry Day:
1. Learn the stories of the stolen generations
Just a little research will tell horrific stories of children torn from their rightful families and forced into an unfamiliar and difficult life living with strangers, as well as trying to keep up with the schooling, traditions and family dynamics of colonist-descended white Australians.
2. Celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's achievements
People of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent have made incredible contributions to Australia as a whole, in the fields of art, music, law, medicine, entertainment and more. Take a few hours to locate some of these contributions, learn about them and bask in the richness of their culture.
3. Think about what 'reconciliation' really means
To apologise without reservation can be a tough thing to do, whether as an individual or as a larger group. An apology can go a long way towards healing, or at least beginning to. Thinking about the concept of reconciliation in your life and applying it can be a humbling and important experience.
For more information, visit the National Today website.