Sorry Day 2019

UnitingCare West (UCW) acknowledges National Sorry Day. We recognise the grief, suffering and loss experienced by the Stolen Generations.

UCW has committed to a Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and works intentionally to activate the Reconciliation Dimensions suggested by Reconciliation Australia to strengthen relationships between First People (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and non-Indigenous peoples.

As part of our commitment to working with Aboriginal controlled organisations and keeping children safe, UCW is working alongside Kinship Connections to realise the best outcomes for the First Nations children we work with.

We recognise that for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, healing is a holistic process, which addresses mental, physical, emotional and spiritual needs and involves connections to culture, family and land.

We acknowledge that recognition is a big part of healing and that Sorry Day is a significant day for people impacted by the past policies that created the Stolen Generation.

The Healing Foundation quoted Ian Hamm, Chair of Stolen Generations Reference Group, via twitter stating, “Sorry Day is the most important day on the calendar for Stolen Generations members.”

26 May 2019

Read more about our Commitment to Reconciliation here.  

For more information email: rap@unitingcarewest.org.au

Our commissioned Stretch RAP Painting by Thomas Worrigal is the base of this image with and a Native Hibiscus overlayed. The Native Hibiscus symbolises National Sorry Day.

The Native Hibiscus flower was adopted because it is found widely across Australia and it is a survivor. Its colour denotes compassion and spiritual healing.

You can purchase Commemorative Sorry Day Flowers via the Kimberly Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation here.

Helpful links:

Australian Human Rights Commission – Bringing them Home Report (1997)

Australian Human Rights Commission – National Day of Healing: Everyone’s Responsibility

Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet – National Sorry Day 2018

Healing Foundation – Glossary of Healing Terms

Healing Foundation – Stolen Generations

Kimberly Stolen Generation – Sorry Day Flowers

Kinship Connections – Finding Families

Reconciliation Australia – Five Dimensions of Reconciliation

Reconciliation Australia – Let’s Talk Sorry Day