National Sorry Day and NAIDOC Week 2026

Two culturally significant days for First Nations people

In this article, we highlight two significant dates that are historically and culturally significant to First Nations people, and that continue to grow in significance to all Australians.

National Sorry Day

National Sorry Day on 26th of May each year, recognises and pays respect to those who have been affected by the forced removal of First Nations children. Balaangala observes Sorry Day to acknowledge this part of our shared history.

It is only from a place of recognition that we can move forward together. By attending Sorry Day commemorations, local people can take part in supporting the journey of healing.

Many people are familiar with the term “stolen generations” but not many know the scope of these actions. A policy of forced removal was in place from the 1800’s to the 1970’s.

Children could be removed from their families simply for being Aboriginal. Children were placed in institutions, adopted or fostered by non-Indigenous people and often subjected to abuse. It was not unusual for families to be separated and sent to different areas, sometimes across state borders, with no idea of where their loved ones ended up.

On the 26th of May, 1997, the outcome of a national inquiry, the Bringing Them Home Report, was tabled in Federal Parliament. This report revealed the extent of forced removal policies, the abuse suffered as a result, and the ongoing impacts on those removed and on their descendants.

Of the 54 report recommendations, only two have been implemented. The observance of a national “Sorry Day,” has occurred since 1998 and on 13th February 2008, then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made a formal apology.
Despite living with trauma, many Stolen Generations survivors and their descendants work tirelessly within their families and communities to support healing.

In part, Sorry Day is a time to recognise that strength and resilience. For further information see: https://healingfoundation.org.au/stolen-generations/national-sorry-day/ .

NAIDOC Week 2026

The theme for NAIDOC Week 2026 (5-12 July) is Fifty Years of Deadly. For five decades, NAIDOC Week has celebrated the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

This theme marks a milestone and a tribute to the people who built this movement. The Elders who stood firm, the organisers who made space, the artists, and the communities.

Annual celebrations are held across Australia each year, to recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. It is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories, and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

From a First Nations’ perspective NAIDOC week is about looking back at the stories, the marches, the languages, the art, and the leadership.

It’s also about the here and now, being grounded in culture and identity. It’s about the future, leading change across health, education, media, business, and the arts. The young ones growing up proud. The return of language. The return to Country, and continuing to seek justice

For information about NAIDOC Week 2026, visit the website: www.naidoc.org.au

To learn more about Balaangala visit: www.balaangala.org.au

Author: Balaangala Community Group

Images: Melanie Grevis-James. Cover image: National Sorry Day at Balaangala Community Group garden 2024, The Gap.