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13 February marked the anniversary of the National Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations, and is a significant milestone towards Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander recognition and justice.  But what is National Apology Day, and why is it so significant? 

National Apology Day commemorates the Federal Government’s formal apology to the Stolen Generations, made by then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008.   

The National Apology was prompted by the findings of the ‘Bringing Them Home’ report which made 54 recommendations, a key one being Recommendation 5a: that all Australian Parliaments acknowledge responsibility, make a formal apology, and provide appropriate reparations. 

National Apology Day is distinct from National Sorry Day, which occurs annually on 26 May and marks the anniversary of the tabling of the ‘Bringing Them Home’ report in the Australian Parliament in 1997.   

The National Apology was seen as a symbol of hope and change in relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and brought healing for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  Yet more recommendations from the ‘Bringing Them Home’ report need to be realised to achieve real and lasting healing for Stolen Generations survivors, their families, and communities. 

Key to these are several recommendations which call for compensation for the Stolen Generations. Western Australia has not yet committed to these recommendations. 

National Apology Day is an opportunity to reflect on and acknowledge the wrongs of the past and move forward with truth-telling, healing, and Reconciliation. 

You can watch the National Apology here or read the National Apology transcript here.  You can also watch our video about National Apology Day here.