National Sorry Day is an annual day of remembrance held in Australia on 26 May. The purpose of the day is to recognise and reflect upon the mistreatment of Australia’s First Nations peoples since the arrival of Europeans in 1788. In particular, we remember a group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples known as the ‘Stolen Generations’.

Do you want to acknowledge National Sorry Day in your classroom but don’t know where to begin?

The concepts associated with reconciliation between First Nations Australians and non-Indigenous Australians are deep and complex. For this reason, it can be challenging for teachers to respectfully acknowledge and commemorate National Sorry Day at an age-appropriate level. This poem has been written to assist you in addressing these concepts with your students.

A heartfelt apology from a white Australian teacher to all First Nations Australians

The poem I Am Sorry is a heartfelt apology from one white Australian to the First Nations people of our nation. It portrays her sadness and sorrow for the actions of her white ancestors and for the struggles and injustices suffered by our First Peoples. The poet also expresses hope that we may learn from our past mistakes and work together to unite our fractured country.

Discussion questions are included to help stimulate thoughtful discussion

Once you have read the poem with your students, encourage them to share their feelings about the poem’s content. A set of ten questions has been included in this resource to help promote this discussion.