From Sorry to Action
National Sorry Day, also known as the National Day of Healing, is held each year on 26 May to acknowledge and remember the Stolen Generations — Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families, communities, culture and Country under past government policies.
This date marks the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in 1997, which exposed the devastating impacts of forced child removal policies and made recommendations to address the ongoing harm caused to Stolen Generations survivors, their families and communities.
National Sorry Day is a time for reflection, truth-telling, remembrance and healing. It is an opportunity for all Australians to acknowledge the pain and injustice experienced by the Stolen Generations and to recognise the ongoing intergenerational trauma that continues to affect many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
The 2026 theme, “From Sorry to Action”, reminds us that acknowledgment alone is not enough. Nearly three decades after the Bringing Them Home report was tabled, many of its recommendations remain unfinished. This year calls on governments, organisations and individuals to move beyond words and commit to meaningful action, accountability, justice and healing.
National Sorry Day asks each of us to reflect on our shared history, listen to the voices of survivors, and consider how we can contribute to reconciliation and positive change.
We extend our respect to the Stolen Generations and acknowledge the strength, resilience and courage of survivors, their families and communities. We honour those who continue to share their stories and advocate for truth, healing and justice.
#NationalSorryDay
#SorryDay
#NationalDayOfHealing
#FromSorryToAction
https://humanrights.gov.au/our-work/projects/bringing-them-home-report-1997
https://bth.humanrights.gov.au/the-report/bringing-them-home-report
https://healingfoundation.org.au
