National Sorry Day is an annual day of commemoration and remembrance of all those who have been impacted by the government policies of forcible removal that have resulted in the Stolen Generations.

The annual Sorry Day commemorations have helped to remind and raise awareness among politicians, policy makers, and the wider public about the significance of the forcible removal policies and the impact that they have had not just on the children that were taken, but also on their families and communities. The intergenerational impact of the forcible removal policies on young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander citizens in the 21st Century have been profound, and the commemoration of National Sorry Day each year helps contribute towards a broader ongoing effort toward healing and social and emotional wellbeing for individuals, families and communities across the country.

Echuca College held a ceremony to commemorate National Sorry Day – a number of students read poems, told stories and shared the stories of the Stolen Generation. Our students were supported by Aunty Melva, Aunty Vicki Walker and other members of the community.  We lit a candle in memory of those who were affected during these times and held a moment of silence to remember and recognise the events of the past