The issue of an apology by the Australian Government to the stolen generations - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were inappropriately removed from their families and communities as children - is back in the headlines.
First discussed after a groundbreaking inquiry into Indigenous child removal policies, the subject of the national apology has been around for over 10 years and is now big news again after the new Prime Minister signaled his intention to issue an apology in early 2008. All States and Territories issued apologies a decade ago, following the release of a government-funded inquiry into child removal policies.
The inquiry was conducted by the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission and its report, called Bringing them Home, uncovered detail of child removal policies and their ongoing effects.
There are a range of opinions in the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community about the apology, some based on fact, some not. We don't all have to agree, but it's important that Australians understand the background and meaning of the apology and its potential to generate better outcomes for all of us.
Reconciliation Australia has compiled some information to help you understand the apology, frequently asked questions and links to further resources. We’ll be adding more Q&As as they come up, and welcome questions and feedback from you through our enquiries line at enquiries@reconciliation.org.au. Alternatively you can submit your question online.
For the mothers and children of the Stolen Generations
The commemorative 'silk' flower has been created as a national emblem of the Stolen Generations. This was initially proposed by members of the Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation, and later endorsed by the National Sorry Day Committee. It is wholeheartedly supported by the Stolen Generations Alliance. This flower was adopted because it is found widely across Australia and it is a survivor. Its colour denotes compassion and spiritual healing.