National Apology Day

National Apology Day is celebrated annually on February 13, marking a pivotal moment in Australia’s reconciliation process. This solemn observance commemorates the formal apology delivered by the Australian Government to the Stolen Generations—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families under past government policies. It is a day dedicated to acknowledging historical wrongs, honoring the resilience of survivors, and reflecting on the ongoing journey toward healing and justice for Indigenous peoples.

History of National Apology Day

The origins of National Apology Day trace back to the “Bringing Them Home” report, tabled in the Australian Parliament in 1997. This landmark document was the result of a national inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families between 1910 and 1970. The report revealed widespread trauma and recommended that all Australian Parliaments offer a formal apology. While some state governments acted sooner, a federal response was delayed for over a decade until a change in government led to a renewed commitment to reconciliation.

On February 13, 2008, then-Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivered the historic apology at Parliament House in Canberra. The speech was broadcast nationally to millions of people, many of whom gathered in public spaces to witness the event. The Prime Minister specifically apologized for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments that inflicted “profound grief, suffering and loss” on Indigenous Australians. This moment is regarded as a defining chapter in the nation’s history, as it officially broke the silence on the mistreatment of the Stolen Generations and established a new foundation for the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Why is National Apology Day important?

This day is important because it provides a formal platform for “truth-telling,” which is a necessary prerequisite for genuine national healing. By acknowledging that the forced removal of children was a systematic injustice, the government validated the experiences of thousands of survivors whose stories had previously been ignored or dismissed. This validation helps to restore dignity to those affected and provides a public record of the pain caused by past assimilation policies. It serves as a reminder that a nation’s progress is tied to its ability to confront and learn from its darkest periods.

The observance also highlights the concept of intergenerational trauma, as the effects of the Stolen Generations continue to impact descendants and entire communities today. National Apology Day encourages the public to understand that reconciliation is an ongoing process rather than a single event. It serves as an annual accountability check for the “Closing the Gap” initiatives, which aim to reduce disparities in health, education, and life expectancy for First Nations people. Ultimately, the day promotes unity by inviting all citizens to reflect on their shared history and commit to a more equitable future.

• Formal apologies provide survivors with the public validation necessary for healing.
• The day educates younger generations about the history of the Stolen Generations.
• It reinforces the national commitment to reducing systemic inequality for Indigenous peoples.
• Truth-telling events foster a deeper cultural understanding among all Australian citizens.
• The anniversary serves as a prompt for policy makers to address unresolved injustices.

How to Celebrate National Apology Day

Observing National Apology Day is often done through attendance at community events such as smoking ceremonies, morning teas, and storytelling sessions. Many people choose to watch or re-read the original 2008 apology speech to reflect on its promises and the work that remains. In schools and workplaces, the day is marked by educational presentations that focus on the “Bringing Them Home” report and its 54 recommendations. These activities are designed to be respectful and somber, prioritizing the voices of Elders and survivors who wish to share their experiences.

For individuals, the day is an opportunity to engage in self-education by reading books or watching documentaries created by First Nations authors and filmmakers. Showing support for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) through donations or volunteer work is a practical way to contribute to the day’s goals. Many participants wear specific ribbons or symbols of reconciliation to show solidarity with the Stolen Generations. The most significant way to observe the day is to listen with empathy and participate in the broader conversation about how to achieve lasting social and legal change.

• Attend a local commemorative event or smoking ceremony in your community.
• Listen to personal testimonies from members of the Stolen Generations.
• Support Indigenous-led organizations that focus on family reunification and healing.
• Engage with First Nations literature to better understand the history of the land.
• Participate in a minute of silence to honor the parents and children who were separated.

National Apology Day Dates Table