Learn About The History and Importance of National Sorry Day
Posted by Anna on 17th Apr 2023
Australians of colonial descent are reminded to recall the maltreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on May 26 as National Sorry Day. With our article, find out more about this National Sorry Day in Australia.
History of National Sorry Day in Australia
National Sorry Day in Australia
The first "Bringing Them Home" report, the outcome of a government investigation on child stealing in the 20th century, was presented to the Australian Parliament in 1998, one year after the first National Sorry Day was commemorated. The idea of an unreserved apology and the suggestion that a portion of the national budget is allocated to restitution were among the report's suggestions.
While Kevin Rudd was the prime minister in 2008, a formal apology was issued. The "Motion of Reconciliation" John Howard presented in 1999, which conveyed remorse and sympathy but made no admissions of guilt, was the best thing the former prime minister had ever done. In the meanwhile, a proposal to rename the occasion "The National Day of Healing" was made and approved in 2005.
The genuine apology offered by Prime Minister Rudd was what genuinely moved Australians. The objectives of the "Closing the Gap" movement, which prioritized the health and equality of indigenous peoples of all generations, were endorsed by his parliament. From 2009 and 2019, Bridging the Gap was managed by Oxfam Australia. After that, it was turned over to Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR), who continue to publish an annual report.
On National Sorry Day, we honor the resilience of the survivors of the Stolen Generations and consider how we, as Australians, may all contribute to the healing of the community and the country. While the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold this date in particular significance, Australians across the nation also observe it as a day of remembrance.
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The purpose of National Sorry Day in Australia
National Sorry Day in Australia
It can aid in transforming adversity into an advantage.
The first efforts have been taken to address the harm white Australians inflicted on indigenous people. Reparations can continue to bridge the gap or "Close the Gap" with focused work, focus, money, and reconciliation.
It draws attention to the situation of other oppressed people.
There are "gaps" to be filled in the United States as well, ranging from the Black Lives Matter movement to safeguarding Native American territories from predatory land-use practices. We can advance toward a period of healing and redemption if we can acknowledge our past in the same manner as Australians have.
Bringing attention to discriminatory legislation
The National Apology to the Stolen Generations brought attention to the hardships faced by Indigenous families as a result of the country's then-current legal system. The ancient Thomas Jefferson quotation, "If a law is unfair, a man has not only entitled to violate it, he is obliged to do so," was perfectly exemplified by this situation. Let's keep that in mind at all times.
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Guide to Observe National Sorry Day
National Sorry Day in Australia
Find out about the tales of the Stolen Generations.
Just a little research will reveal horrifying tales of children who were forcibly removed from their biological families and forced to live with strangers in an unfamiliar and challenging environment while also attempting to keep up with the education, customs, and family dynamics of white Australians of colonial descent. Read a handful of them to feel the victims' suffering.
Honor Native American accomplishments.
Aboriginal people have made enormous contributions to Australia as a whole in a variety of areas, including law, music, entertainment, medicine, and more. Spend some time finding some of these contributions, learning about them, and soaking up the depth of their culture.
Consider what "reconciliation" genuinely entails.
To apologize without holding back. Whether you're doing it alone or with a larger group, that might be challenging. An apology can help a lot or at least start the healing process. It can be humbling and significant to consider reconciliation in your life and put it into practice.
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