The ceremony not only marked the annual day of recognition, but it also acknowledged the 50th anniversary since the Holt government’s 1967 referendum where Australians overwhelmingly voted to amend the constitution to include Aboriginal people in the census and allow the Commonwealth to create laws for them.

William Hill, one of the ceremony organisers, said the day was about acknowledgement about the past. 

“We’re basically covering all aspects. 

“We’re acknowledging the referendum, we’re acknowledging the mistreatment of the Aboriginal people before and after that time, and we’re acknowledging the Stolen Generation,” Mr Hill said.

“We’ve got a very strong Aboriginal culture here in Wellington and it’s important to do this.”

Mr Hill said acknowledgment is an important step in a long process.

“What we really want to make sure happens is that what did happen is acknowledged, so that we can all move forward together in reconciliation.”

Aboriginal Elder Aunty Joyce Williams said while Sorry Day is significant, every day is a sorry day for her people.  

“We can move forward, but we always have to remember what happened.”