Relay for recognition to start Sorry Day AFL legend Michael Long will kick-off a nation-wide relay in Melbourne on Sunday to raise awareness about constitutional recognition of indigenous Australians. The Journey to Recognition relay begins at Federation Square at 9.30am (AEST) and coincides with national Sorry Day, which acknowledges the historical mistreatment of Aboriginal people including members of the stolen generation. Earlier this year, federal parliament passed an Act of Recognition as a stepping stone to holding a referendum to recognise the first Australians in the constitution. Last year, the federal government put the referendum on the back burner because there was not enough public awareness. Since federation, only eight out of 44 proposals to amend the constitution have been approved. Long encourages people to get involved in the campaign for recognition so the "first chapter" of Australia's story can be added to the constitution. "We have such a long history as Aboriginal people and that should be recognised," he said. But recognition won't just happen by itself, all of us have to make it happen. From Melbourne, the relay participants will journey to Adelaide by foot, bicycle and car. The relay will then travel up through the heart of the nation to Nhulunbuy to meet Arnhem Land clans at the Garma Festival on August 9, before visiting other states and territories. Meanwhile, Sorry Day events are scheduled across the country. In Perth, there will be a smoking ceremony, reconciliation walk, dance and didgeridoo performances from 9.30am (WST) at Wellington Square, East Perth. In Sydney, there will be a ceremony at Richardson's Lookout, Marrickville, from 2.30pm (AEST). Canberra's ceremony begins at 4.30pm (AEST) at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture in Barton.