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Sorry Day 2009 –One year on from ‘Sorry’: What next?

23 May 2009 - Media Release - ENIAR will mark Sorry Day 2009 in London with a free public event, reflecting on the post-apology situation for Indigenous Australians. Whilst the Australian Government’s apology to the Stolen Generations on 13 February 2008 was cause for great celebration, many injustices still remain for Australia’s indigenous population.

Between 1910 and the mid-1970’s express State and Federal Government policy facilitated the removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families and communities to institutions or foster families with the purpose of breeding out Aboriginality. Many would never see their families again. Virtually all Indigenous families have been affected by child removal policies and the trauma and suffering continues to the present day. Indigenous Australians’ life expectancy is 17 years lower than non-Indigenous Australians, and rates of infant mortality, disease and illness and unemployment far exceed the rest of Australian society.

Since the Bringing Them Home Report of 1997, Sorry Day has been a call for a Federal Government apology to the Stolen Generations and reparations for their suffering and loss.

“Last year we celebrated what appeared to be a new beginning in relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, following Prime Minister Rudd’s apology” said Gill Watson, ENIAR Coordinator, London.

“The apology was a huge step forward, however we had hoped that serious action would follow closely behind.  There has been no national scheme to compensate the Stolen Generations and their families. Furthermore, the Racial Discrimination Act remains suspended so that the Northern Territory Intervention can be continued without due regard for the rights of Indigenous Territorians. Shamefully, Indigenous Australians have had to go to the UN, again, to try to have their rights respected.

“We believe it is important to continue raising awareness, in Australia and internationally, of the ongoing disadvantages suffered by Indigenous Australians.

“We invite all UK-based supporters of Indigenous Australian rights to join with us to celebrate the apology, to remember the Stolen Generations – recognise their suffering and survival – and learn about the continuing difficulties faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” concluded Ms Watson.
Sorry Day London will be held on Thursday 28th May 2009 at Australia House, Strand, London WC2B 4LA. (Nearest tubes: Temple, Covent Garden, Holborn). Drinks & light snacks from 6pm, programme begins at 6.30pm.

The event is free however it is necessary to RSVP, as Australia House requires a list of all attendees for all events. Those planning or hoping to attend should email info@eniar.org with “Sorry Day RSVP” in the subject field. Please note that you will not be permitted entry unless you have emailed your details by 9am on Thursday 28th May, therefore if in doubt, email!

Programme (provisional)
6 – 6.30pm: Drinks & nibbles

6.30pm: Welcome and summary of event program

6.45 – 8pm: Screening of Liyarn Ngarn

8 – 8.30pm: Dr Damien Short, Senior Lecturer in human rights at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London, will speak on the topic ‘When Sorry Isn’t Good Enough: Australia’s “Stolen Generations” & Reconciliation’

8.30 – 9pm: Questions

9 – 9.30pm: Attendees can circulate & chat informally with each other, the speakers and event organisers. There will also be an information display and an opportunity to sign ENIAR’s Sorry Book.

9.30pm: Sorry Day London closes.

PDF Version

Contact: info at eniar.org

Source: eniar.org

Further information: stolen generations issues page - includes news index and external links