We Are Sorry.
26 May is National Sorry Day
National Sorry Day was originally established in 1998. The purpose of the day is to recognise the damage to Indigenous Australians and their culture that was caused by the government and religious institutions since the European settlement of Australia, particularly in regards to the “Stolen Generation”. The “Stolen Generation” are the Aboriginal children who were separated from their families in the interest of raising them as ‘white’, without their traditional culture or language. The long-lasting effects of this practice had devastating effects on the children and families of “Stolen Generation”, as well as Aboriginal culture as a whole.
Even though National Sorry Day was established in the late 1990s, it wasn’t until 2008 that the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd issued an official apology in parliament. His speech can be found here: https://www.australia.gov.au/…/apology-to-australias-indige…
Saying ‘sorry’, freely and without condition or reservation, is an early step on a path to healing and dignity, and Reconciliation is that path.
RECONCILIATION AUSTRALIA
More information about National Sorry Day can be found through Reconciliation Australia – here: https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-sorry-day-an-im…/
THE HEALING FOUNDATION
“The Healing Foundation is a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that partners with communities to address the ongoing trauma caused by actions like the forced removal of children from their families. Our work helps people create a different future.”
The Healing Foundation homepage also includes knowledge creation and learning resources suitable for schools and community groups.
The Stolen Generation Schools Resource Kit from the Healing Foundation is available here: https://healingfoundation.org.au/schools/
ONE WORLD CENTRE
The One World Centre resource library houses a large selection of resources including posters, non-fiction, narratives, dvds and teaching kits on The Stolen Generation and Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander history.
You can search our catalogue here: http://www.oneworldcentre.org.au/library/online-catalogue/
