As a general rule, I agree with you. But in the case of the First Nations in Canada and, I believe, the Aboriginals in Australia, an apology was asked for.
I don’t know about “genuine remorse”. I don’t feel any “remorse” myself, in a personal sense, but I am quite willing to take on my share of the guilt and remorse as a Canadian, for all the good it does.
“Great efforts to right the wrong”? That’s part of the problem, since, so far, nothing has righted any wrong and there have been some great efforts. Plenty of money has been spent, grand schemes have been put in place, Royal Commissions have been called, Minister upon Minister speaks in the House of Commons, promise upon promise is made, and yet it goes on, decade after decade of squalor and misery for the First Nations people.
I think at this point, RickJay’s idea is as good as any I’ve heard. And from what I know of Australia, it is applicable there as well.