It was 13 years ago today that our Stolen Generation were given a national apology from the Federal Government acknowledging the long-term damage and devastating impact of Aboriginal children who were stolen from their families. While it felt like too little too late for many, this was the start of formally acknowledging the pain and suffering caused by forcibly removing Aboriginal children. Its an important day in the calendar of Aboriginal events and day when all Australians should acknowledge this terribleblight on the history on modern Australia.
The apology
We apologise for the laws and policies of successive Parliaments and governments that have inflicted profound grief, suffering and loss on these our fellow Australians. We apologise especially for the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, their communities, and their country.
Lorna Fejo says loves gives happiness
Our own Larrakia grandmother, Lorna Fejo played an important part in Prime Minister Rudd’s speech in 2008 who was quoted as saying “I asked Nanna Fejo what she would have me say today about her story. She thought for a few moments then said that what I should say today was that all mothers are important. And she added: ‘Families — keeping them together is very important. It’s a good thing that you are surrounded by love and that love is passed down the generations. That’s what gives you happiness”.
Removal damaged generations
Today is an important day to remember the impact of taking children from their families and how it destroyed generations of lives. According to many studies, as well as the Bringing Them Home report, the emotional and psychological damage of the Stolen Generation to Aboriginal families still remains today and many believe is responsible for the social and emotional issues facing Aboriginal people.