National Sorry Day 2022 Message from the Governor

I acknowledge the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation on whose traditional lands we reside, and I pay my respects to their elders past and present.

Every year on the 26th of May we recognise National Sorry Day. On this date, we acknowledge both the history of colonisation on our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and its ongoing effects on their families, communities and cultures.

It is an important date for us to pause and reflect. Events like Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day remind us of the sadness and pain of the history of the Stolen Generations and the impact of European settlement on the oldest living and continuous civilisation on Earth.

Remembering and acknowledging allows us the opportunity to also recognise the strength, resilience and spirit of our first Australians. It reminds us that only by fostering relationships grounded in truth can we move forward as a united Australian people.

It has been one of my greatest pleasures as Governor to be invited to visit so many sacred sites, meet local elders and hear their stories.  The important process of reconciliation and building cultural awareness is well underway.  While more needs to be done, I am aware of many policies and initiatives that demonstrate that Western Australia is progressing in the right direction.  We must engage our young people and harness their natural curiosity and energy to maintain this momentum into the future.

I implore all to engage with one another, learn from each other, and share culture, stories, and history with one another. Together we can foster a harmonious and progressive Western Australia.

 – Governor Beazley

 

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