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- Special Interest
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- AwarenessCultural
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- Australia
- Date change rule:
- Every February 13
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- 🇦🇺
National Apology Day is observed every February 13 in Australia, commemorating the historic 2008 apology to Indigenous Australians. This day recognizes the injustices faced by the Stolen Generations and promotes ongoing reconciliation efforts. Reflect on the past, learn from Indigenous voices, and support initiatives working towards a more equitable future.
Want to sponsor National Apology Day? Learn how
Expected National Apology Day Deals
As a day of solemn remembrance and reconciliation, National Apology Day focuses on education, awareness, and support for Indigenous-led organizations rather than commercial deals. Organizations like Reconciliation Australia encourage donations and participation in educational programs. Many local community groups and Indigenous cultural centers host events to share stories and promote understanding. We encourage you to visit the official websites of Indigenous advocacy groups to find ways to contribute directly to their vital work.
Platform Guide for National Apology Day
Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #NationalApologyDay. Share resources on corporate reconciliation strategies or Indigenous employment initiatives.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalApologyDay. Participate in discussions about historical truth-telling and the ongoing journey of reconciliation in Australia.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalApologyDay. Share personal reflections or local community events promoting awareness and healing.
National Apology Day Hero
Kevin Rudd
History of National Apology Day
National Apology Day remembers the official apology to the children and families traumatized by past forced child removal and assimilation government policies in 20th century Australia. Although somewhat related, this annual commemoration is quite different from the National Sorry Day, or the National Day of Healing, which is a national event that has been held every year in Australia on May 26 since 1998. National Sorry Day marks the initial tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in the Australian Parliament. The report was the result of a 1995 inquiry by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission into government policies and practices between 1910 and the 1970s, which forcefully separated many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, to assimilate them into white Australian culture.
The affected children, known as the ‘Stolen Generations’ — estimated to be 10% to 33% of all Indigenous children between 1910 and the 1970s — suffered significant abuse and trauma, as they had to live under harsh conditions and abusive treatment, and were compelled to reject their Indigenous heritage. Until today, many victims are still coming to terms with the trauma they experienced. The ‘Bringing Them Home’ report also made actionable recommendations for addressing past wrongs, including the issuance of formal apologies by state and federal governments, and the provision of funding to rehabilitate the victims.
While John Howard, the Prime Minister at the time, declined to apologize, his successor Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, subsequently issued a formal public apology on February 13, 2008, on behalf of the federal government for the policies which inflicted grief, suffering, and loss on the Stolen Generations. Both houses of parliament unanimously adopted the apology as a motion, and thousands of Australians who gathered in public spaces to hear the apology across the country reacted with cheers and tears.
National Apology Day timeline
‘Bringing them Home: Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families’ is presented in Parliament on May 26.
The First National Sorry Day is held in Australia on May 26 to mark the original tabling of the Bringing them Home report.
More than 250,000 Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge to protest the lack of a government apology to the Stolen Generations on May 28.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd presents a Motion of Apology to Indigenous Australians on February 13.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Apology Day
Local businesses can honor National Apology Day by engaging in meaningful reconciliation actions. This could involve displaying educational materials about Indigenous history, hosting staff training on cultural awareness, or partnering with local Indigenous organizations. Consider implementing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to formally commit to reconciliation within your business, fostering an inclusive environment for all Australians.
National Apology Day FAQs
When is National Apology Day?
In 2027, National Apology Day is observed on Saturday, February 13, marking a crucial moment in Australia’s journey toward reconciliation.
Why is National Apology Day important?
This day holds deep significance as it serves as a national reminder of Australia’s past wrongs and reinforces the ongoing commitment to reconciliation. It encourages all Australians to reflect on history and work towards genuine respect and equity for Indigenous communities.
Who received the apology on National Apology Day?
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s apology was directed at all Indigenous Australians, specifically addressing the pain and suffering caused by government policies that led to the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families.
What was the 'Stolen Generations'?
These removals were carried out under assimilation policies that aimed to integrate Indigenous children into white Australian society, resulting in immense trauma, loss of culture, and intergenerational suffering for countless families.
How to Observe National Apology Day
Read about the history
Do some research into the traumatizing stories of the Indigenous children who were forcefully separated from their families and forced to live with strangers in foster homes and other institutions from 1910 to the 1970s in Australia. You’ll be able to empathize with the victims and share in their pain.
Celebrate distinguished Indigenous Australians
Today, there are many accomplished people of Aboriginal descent in various fields such as art, entertainment, sports, and academics, who have contributed immensely to the development of Australia. This day offers an ample opportunity to dig into their contributions and achievements, raise awareness about them, and inform the world about the ingenuity of these Indigenous Australians.
Speak up against discriminatory laws
All around the world today, there are still many laws and policies made by governments against the fundamental human rights of many disadvantaged peoples. National Apology Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness and speak against many of these abusive policies in an attempt to seek a fairer world for all.
5 Interesting Facts About Indigenous Australians
World’s oldest surviving culture
It is believed that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples date back between 50,000 to 65,000 years ago.
Endangered languages
There were over 250 languages and 600 dialects spoken by all Indigenous groups in pre-colonial Australia, which has drastically dropped to 20 languages.
More than 400 Indigenous words
Australian English has borrowed about 400 words from various Indigenous languages — most of which are nouns like kangaroo, boomerang, wombat, kookaburra, koala, and barramundi.
3% of Australia’s population
While the Indigenous Australian population dwindled during colonization, the population started to recover in the early 1900s, and there were approximately 800,000 Indigenous people in Australia by 2011 — about 3.3% of the country’s total population.
A younger age profile
The Indigenous peoples have a much younger age profile than the non-First Nations population – with over 53% of Aboriginal people aged under 25.
Why National Apology Day is Important
It acknowledges discrimination
For so long, many surviving victims of the discriminatory child removal policies and other affected families sought acknowledgment, apology, and reparations from the government but were snubbed. Prime Minister Rudd’s motion for an apology was a significant turning point indicating that the Stolen Generations were unfairly treated and deserved a national apology.
It highlights the plight of the traumatized
The Bringing Them Home report highlighted the plight of the Indigenous families who were unjustly affected by abusive laws and government policies. The National Apology Day was the first step at making up for the hurt, abuse, and trauma the Stolen Generations and other affected parties experienced in 20th century Australia.
It seeks reconciliation
While it took almost ten years before the Australian government officially issued a national apology as recommended by the report, the apology signified the government’s readiness to make restitution and seek reconciliation. Although the harm cannot be totally undone, the government continues to make impactful efforts for rehabilitation and healing, especially with the Closing the Gap strategy, which aims “to achieve equality in health.”
National Apology Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | February 13 | Saturday |
| 2028 | February 13 | Sunday |
| 2029 | February 13 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | February 13 | Wednesday |
| 2031 | February 13 | Thursday |
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