Today KDH recognizes National Sorry Day as a day to acknowledge, remember and commemorate the immense harm caused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples since colonialization, through many successive governments and policies.
Today in KDH reception, we will be hanging a framed copy of the National Apology 2008 as an ongoing recognition of:
- The ongoing harm and atrocities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, especially the Stolen Generations.
- Our commitment towards reconciliation. We acknowledge that this will be a considerable journey requiring strong partnerships, listening to the voice of community, an understanding and respect of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and culture, and strong governance.
On 26 May each year, Sorry Day marks the anniversary of the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in the Australian Parliament in 1997 and the National Apology made by the then Prime minister Kevin Rudd in 2008. The Bringing Them Home report detailed the history of the forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families, under laws enacted by Australian governments.
The day is an opportunity to reflect on Australia’s true history and commit to playing a role in the healing of the nation.
Between 1910 and 1970, 50,000 Aboriginal children were forcibly removed from their parents and communities, often never to see them again.
As a parent, it’s worth trying to consider what it would be like to have your children suddenly taken from you based on someone else’s idea of what is best for them. It’s also worth imagining being a child taken from your parents and repeatedly told its for your own good, or that your parents did not want you anymore.
Additionally, consider that many in authority believed that by the ongoing removal of children through successive policies, they would be able to totally eradicate Aboriginals from Australia.
This is Ruth’s story. Ruth’s was separated from her mother at only 4 years of age.
The impact for Aboriginal communities is widespread across education, employment, housing, health, and social and emotional wellbeing.