5th Anniversary of the Apology to The Stolen Generations

Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues.  Today 13/02/13,  is the fifth anniversary of the long awaited apology to The Stolen Generations.  The apology was, and is of great significance to many Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and non Aboriginal people; in particular, those most affected by the then, Government policy to remove Aboriginal children from their parents (for their own protection it is said).  This policy was still in affect up until the late 70s.  Many of the Stolen Generation are yet to come home to family.  Those who have found family, still struggle to come to terms with the trauma and grief of fractured lives whilst trying to put the pieces back together.  Some struggle also to come to terms with the physical and sexual abuse they encountered by those they were sent to for “protection”.   Tragically, many passed away before ever finding the families they were snatched from.  I have attached some extracts from the “Bringing Them Home Report” , some short film clips from the film Rabbit Proof Fence as well as  the Apology given to the Stolen Generations by the then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd five years ago.  The apology was a first step in the very very long and difficult healing process.  There is much more to be done (including recognising the First Australians in our Constitution) for this healing process to continue.  I send this email today with good intention and hope, hope that through continued sharing/learning and a better understanding,  we can bring about change regarding the disparities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today  in health, education, employment opportunities and life expectancy. 

http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/bth_report/stories/evie.html

http://www.humanrights.gov.au/social_justice/bth_report/stories/rose.html

http://aso.gov.au/titles/features/rabbit-proof-fence/clip3/

http://www.themonthly.com.au/national-apology-stolen-generations-prime-minister-kevin-rudd-929

Regards

Tracey McLeod