National Sorry Day 2026: From Sorry to Action
National Sorry Day acknowledges the Stolen Generations: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were forcibly removed from their families, communities and culture under government policies that caused profound and ongoing trauma.
Nearly 30 years after the Bringing Them Home report was tabled, many survivors, families and communities are still waiting for justice, healing and meaningful structural change. Recent reporting by The Healing Foundation found that only a small number of the report’s recommendations have been fully implemented.
This year’s theme, “From Sorry to Action”, calls on all governments, institutions and communities to move beyond acknowledgement and commit to meaningful change.
At MWRC, we see every day how the impacts of intergenerational trauma continue to affect women, children and families. We also see the strength, leadership and resilience of Aboriginal communities who continue to drive healing despite ongoing systemic barriers.
For us, action means:
- investing in Aboriginal community-controlled organisations
- keeping children connected to family, culture and Country
- creating safe housing and infrastructure for women and families
- supporting healing-led and culturally grounded responses
- listening to and backing Aboriginal women’s leadership
- addressing the ongoing impacts of racism and harmful policies
Healing is not only individual. It is collective, cultural and structural.
National Sorry Day is a time to honour survivors and truth-telling, but it must also be a call to action toward justice, safety and healing for future generations.
- Marnin Admin
