Question

Difficulty: MediumNational Sorry Day and the Stolen Generations

National Sorry Day, held on 26 May, is a time for all Australians to reflect on the history of the Stolen Generations. Which specific milestone led to the establishment of this annual day of commemoration?

  1. The tabling of the 'Bringing Them Home' report in Parliament in 1997Answer
  2. B
    The 1967 Referendum which allowed Indigenous Australians to be counted in the census
  3. C
    The High Court of Australia's Mabo decision regarding native title

Answer

The tabling of the 'Bringing Them Home' report in Parliament in 1997
National Sorry Day was established following the tabling of the 'Bringing Them Home' report in the Australian Parliament on 26 May 1997. This report resulted from a national inquiry into the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, and it recommended an annual day of acknowledgment to help with the healing process for the Stolen Generations.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary focus of National Sorry Day
The day focuses on the 'Stolen Generations'—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were removed from their families.
Correctly identifying the subject matter helps distinguish it from other Indigenous rights commemorations.
2
Determine the significance of the 26 May date
The date marks the anniversary of the presentation of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from Their Families.
The calendar date for National Sorry Day is specifically tied to the public release of this evidence.
3
Verify the name and year of the milestone document
The 'Bringing Them Home' report was tabled in Parliament on 26 May 1997.
This report is the foundational document that officially recommended the establishment of a national 'Sorry Day'.

Key Concept

The historical trigger for National Sorry Day is the publication of the 'Bringing Them Home' report.

Hints

1
Consider which major government report specifically investigated the history of children being taken from their families.
2
National Sorry Day occurs exactly one day before National Reconciliation Week begins on 27 May.

Practice More

Review the timeline of Indigenous observances in Australia to see how National Sorry Day, the 1967 Referendum anniversary, and Mabo Day relate to each other chronologically.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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