While this day carries great significance for the Stolen Generation and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country. This day encourages engagement in meaningful conversations, education about the history and experiences of Aboriginal and Torress Strait Islander people, and actively supports efforts towards Reconciliation.
The landmark Bringing Them Home report tabled in parliament on 26 May 1997, documents the results of an inquiry into past policies which caused children to be removed from their families and communities in the 20th century.
Beautiful and vibrant artwork by Narissa Cullen
This artwork has been specially created by Narissa to acknowledge Sorry Day and is on display in our Joondalup office.
Narissa is a descendant of the Waayni people of North West Queensland and is working in our communications branch through the Solid Futures Aboriginal traineeship program.
“I am a proud Aboriginal woman. My family is part of the Stolen Generations. My great grandparents and my grandma were all taken from their families. This has resulted in my mum and I not having a family tree like most Australians today,” Narissa says.
“My painting has two circles in the middle symbolising my great grandma holding my grandma. There are 26 layers, like a tree, symbolising the 26 years since the first Sorry Day.
“Each layer also tells a story. The white lines around my family symbolise the white people that took my family away many years ago and then there is the journey of the land changing, rains, growth and eventually people from all races coming together to heal from the past.
“There is a lot of work to do still in 2024 but it is NOW MORE THAN EVER.”
Learn more about National Sorry Day at Reconciliation Australia.
