Indigenous Culture
National Apology Anniversary
The National Apology Anniversary is a special day when we remember the time the Australian Government said sorry to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for past wrongs, especially the Stolen Generations—children who were taken from their families. It’s a day to learn, listen, and show kindness and respect to help build a fair and caring community for everyone.
The Anniversary of the National Apology is on Thursday February 13 each year. National Apology Day is a day that commemorates the first national apology made by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008 for the Stolen Generation. This was the official apology to the children and families traumatised by past forced child removal and assimilation government policies. The Stolen Generation's suffered significant abuse and trauma, living under harsh conditions and abusive treatment, and were made to reject their Indigenous heritage. The impact of the Stolen Generation is still felt today.
It is a time to reflect on past injustices, acknowledge the impact of historical wrongs, and commit to respectful relationships built on truth, understanding, and healing. This is an opportunity to listen, learn, and take meaningful steps toward reconciliation in our communities.
Want to know more about the National Apology? Watch it here:
Reflection Questions:
- What emotions did you feel while watching the apology speech? Why do you think you felt this way?
- How do you think Indigenous communities might have felt hearing the apology?
- If you were to explain the significance of this apology to someone unfamiliar with it, what key points would you include?