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Nations unite in sorrow

By Mick Jovetic in London

1 April 1998 - More than 100 people in London have added their name and comments to the thousands of signatories to the Sorry Books across Australia.

Launched here last week, the Sorry Book was created to give people of all nationalities an opportunity to express their awareness of the "Stolen generations" and desire for reconciliation with the Aboriginal community.

Housed at the Earls Court offices of Southern Cross and TNT magazine, the London Sorry Book has been met by enthusiasm from people all across the globe including Greece, Canada, America and Africa.

Many comments expressed regret about the horrors experienced by Aboriginal people.
"My sadness and regret for all the pain and loss that all Aboriginal people have gone through and are still going through," wrote a Melbourne woman. "I wish you well in all your struggles and will do my part towards establishing ways to work towards reconciliation."

A message from an English woman "I hope these children will find peace and happiness in the near future."

"Sincerest apologies to the families and native people of the Stolen Generation," an American woman wrote.

Many signatories criticised the Howard Government's refusal to officially apologise to native Australians.

"My regret is not only for the inhumane treatment of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people but also for the delay in an acknowledgement and apology for the tragedies." A Cairns man wrote. "History will condemn the present Government's position. I just hope that reconciliation comes sooner rather than later."

Another Londoner felt "the present government of Australia should make a big apology for all the suffering that they went through."

A Sydney woman wrote "Forever sorry for the pain. If John Howard cannot be sorry we certainly can."

But perhaps one Melbourne man summed up what many wanted to express: "I sincerely apologise for what the people of my ancestry did to the Australian Aboriginal culture. The breaking up of families, the loss of social structure, the destruction of culture and the passing on of knowledge, medical skills and spirituality which are all unique."

This article appeared in the Southern Cross magazine (UK)

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

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