National Sorry Day

National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week

Friday 26th May marked the 25th National Sorry Day, a day on which Australians observe and acknowledge the painful history of the Stolen Generations. This solemn day serves as a reminder of the injustices suffered by Indigenous Australian children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities throughout much of the 20th century. With heartfelt remorse and a commitment to reconciliation, Sorry Day provides an opportunity for the nation to come together, embrace empathy, and work toward healing the wounds of the past in order to build a more inclusive and equitable future.

At last Friday’s Sorry Day Assembly, Declan Delaney, a Year 12 Jenkin student and proud traditional owner of Nhunda country, which encompasses the Kalbarri region in Western Australia, addressed the Assembly. Declan spoke about his trip back to Country over the summer holidays and how this trip allowed him to reconnect with his family and culture on a deeper level. Declan’s speech started with a recording of his Uncle Lenny speaking his truth and sharing his experiences of his time at Moore River Native Settlement. Many of us are familiar with the history of the Stolen Generation and have viewed the confronting film, Rabbit-Proof Fence. Declan’s Uncle Lenny spent six years of his life at the settlement depicted in the movie. This recording offered us a unique opportunity to put a face to one of the individuals who spent a significant part of their early childhood at the settlement, making history come alive. 

At the end of Declan’s speech, he invited his Nan, Lyla to address the Assembly. Aunty Lyla shared her stories of life growing up as a bush kid during the 1950s, in the heart of the Stolen Generation.  Hearing Aunty Lyla’s stories of an early childhood growing up on Country, surrounded by family and culture followed by the grim reality of life after she was removed from her family, living in an alien culture, cared for by strangers at Nazareth House, was at times confronting but it was also a story of courage and resilience. We thank Declan and Aunty Lyla for sharing their family’s stories with our community.   

The Sorry Tree

Reconciliation Week is held every year between May 27th and June 3rd. These dates mark significant events in the journey toward reconciliation. 

This year’s Reconciliation theme is “Be a voice for generations”. The theme encourages all Australians to be a voice for reconciliation in tangible ways in our everyday lives – where we live, work, and socialise.

For the work of generations past, and the benefit of generations future, we can all act today for a more just, equitable, and reconciled country.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation. Staff and students were encouraged to show their support and empathy for First Nations peoples during Reconciliation Week by adding a message to the Sorry Tree located in the Morey foyer.