National Sorry Day, Australia

In 1998, as the result of an inquiry into the forced removal of Aboriginal children (see Stolen Generation) from their families, a National Sorry Day was instituted, to acknowledge the wrong that had been done to indigenous families, so that the healing process could begin. Many politicians, from both sides of the house, participated, with the notable exception of the then Prime Minister of Australia, ultra-conservative John Howard.

The day was held annually until 2004. It was renamed National Day of Healing in 2005. However, in September 2005 the name reverted when the National Sorry Day Committee decided to restore the name Sorry Day.



Categories: australia, indigenous, calendar-customs