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Imminent Australian Government apology to Stolen Generations ‘historic’ and ‘exciting’

12 February 2008 - Media Release ENIAR - The apology on 13 February 2008 (EST) from the recently elected Australian Government to the ‘Stolen Generations’ of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is an exciting turning point in Australian history and most importantly in the healing process for stolen children and their families and communities. Heralded as a huge step towards reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, the apology is strongly supported by the European Network for Indigenous Australian Rights (ENIAR).

ENIAR is also excited that for the first time there will be a traditional Welcome to Country by Ngunnawal elder, Matilda House, at the opening ceremony of the new parliament. This is an essential show of respect for the people on whose land parliament meets.

“Many people in Australia and overseas are still unaware that it was official government policy of Australian governments to forcibly remove Indigenous children from their families and communities.* The express purpose of this policy was to physically and culturally breed out Aboriginality,” said Gill Watson, ENIAR Coordinator, London.

“The grief, loss, trauma and alienation experienced by the ‘stolen children’ and their families is extreme. Virtually all Indigenous families have been affected by one or more child removals and the intergenerational suffering as a result is significant.

“It is important to remember how far-reaching the practice of stealing Indigenous children was: Indigenous children were even taken back to the UK where they still live today, some leading troubled lives with no sense of belonging; some may not know they are Indigenous Australian.  ENIAR hopes that recommendations of Bringing Them Home such as counselling extend to these people.

“This long overdue apology has been hard fought for by many inspiring and courageous Indigenous people as well as many non-Indigenous people who see how wrong the policies were and understand that this shameful aspect of Australia’s history is holding us back as a nation. This apology is about formally and publicly acknowledging the truth so that we can all begin to move forward and remedy the massive inequalities facing Indigenous Australians today. Another major step is compensation for the stolen children and their families.

“We are disappointed that Australia House has not organised a public event for all Australians living in London to join in the celebrations, but hope as many people as possible can watch the apology live at 10pm 12 February 2008 via podcast at www.aph.gov.au” concluded Ms Watson.

The Bringing Them Home Report, containing many firsthand stories of stolen children can be read at http://www.hreoc.gov.au/social_justice/bth_report/index.html

Media contact: Gill Watson +44 (0) 7949 422 672

*The forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from their families and communities occurred from the 1910 until the mid 1970s. They were generally sent out to work for white families, placed in children’s homes or with foster families.

Source: eniar.org

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