National Apology Day

National Apology Day is an annual event in Australia observed on February 13. It commemorates the historic apology delivered by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2008 to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the Stolen Generations, for the injustices caused by past government policies of forced child removal and assimilation. This day marks a significant step toward healing, justice, and reconciliation.

Quick Facts

When is it? February 13
Tagged as: A day of reflection, reconciliation, and acknowledgment
What’s the hashtag? #NationalApologyDay
When was it founded? 2008
Who founded it? Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

History of National Apology Day

National Apology Day stems from the formal apology made by Kevin Rudd on February 13, 2008. This apology acknowledged the profound grief and trauma caused by policies that forcibly removed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families. The apology was a response to the Bringing Them Home report (1997), which documented these injustices and recommended reparations. While this day is often confused with National Sorry Day (May 26), they commemorate different aspects of Australia’s journey toward reconciliation.

Timeline

1997: The Bringing Them Home report is tabled in Parliament.
1998: The first National Sorry Day is held on May 26.
2000: Over 250,000 people walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge demanding an apology.
2008: Kevin Rudd delivers the National Apology on February 13.
2017: The Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians.

Dates by Next Year (2025–2030)

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	February 13	Thursday
2026	February 13	Friday
2027	February 13	Saturday
2028	February 13	Sunday
2029	February 13	Tuesday
2030	February 13	Wednesday

Observed

National Apology Day is observed across Australia through ceremonies, speeches, educational programs, and moments of silence. It serves as a platform to reflect on past injustices and advocate for continued efforts toward reconciliation.

Fun Facts About National Apology Day

Kevin Rudd largely wrote his apology speech himself.
The apology addressed only one-fifth of the recommendations from the Bringing Them Home report.
Indigenous child removal rates today are higher than ever in Australian history.

Quiz

When is National Apology Day observed?
Who delivered the first National Apology?
What report led to the establishment of this day?

(Answers:)

February 13
Kevin Rudd
The Bringing Them Home report

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between National Sorry Day and National Apology Day?
A: National Sorry Day (May 26) marks the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report, while National Apology Day (February 13) commemorates Kevin Rudd’s formal apology to Indigenous Australians.

Q: Why is National Apology Day important?
A: It acknowledges historical injustices and promotes healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Importance of National Apology Day

National Apology Day is crucial for recognizing past wrongs inflicted upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It highlights the importance of acknowledging history to pave the way for a more inclusive future.