Observed annually on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as "The Stolen Generations".

National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.

Sophia Library has a fantastic collection of books about and by First Nations people. Growing up Aboriginal in Australia is such a wonderful book - like all of the "Growing up..." books, you are able to hear, in peoples' own voices, the stories of their lives growing up and living in Australia as Aboriginal people.

I think what I loved most about this was that there were stories from very young people, just really starting out in the world, to Elders, who have been alive for so many years, and have experienced some of the most heartbreaking AND groundbreaking moments in that time.

As an Australian who has European heritage, I find myself admiring the incredible strength and tenacity of countless First Nations people - and am fascinated by their culture and all that it encompasses.

This Sorry Day, why not have a look at this book - or any of the books we have by or about First Nations people? I highly recommend Growing up Aboriginal in Australia - you can find it in the library (click here to read more about it) or borrow it via OverDrive!