The 13th of February 2018 marked the 10th Anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations given by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
This apology, part of a package of recommended responses in cases of gross violations of human rights, was acknowledgement for the deliberate destruction caused by successive governments to our peoples and cultures across the nation. It was affirmation to all the Stolen Generations, both living and passed for the hurt and the damage caused to them and their families just because of the colour of their skin. It was, we believe, the start of a new beginning in race relations in this country. A beginning that was now based on the truth about what happened to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families, communities across Australia from the mid 1800’s to the 1970’s.
Link-Up Victoria and Connecting Home in partnership with the City of Darebin commemorated this very historical day for all people of Australia at Preston City Hall with guest speakers, a special tribute and the latest news about redress for the Stolen Generations.
Regrettably, the apology was the only one of a small number of the 54 recommendations in “Bringing Them Home” that has been implemented in the 20 years since its publication. In commemorating the 10th anniversary we call on governments to address this glaring neglect.
The National Apology was just the beginning, and today, ten years later, there is still unfinished business. We will continue to fight for change, recognition, justice, self-determination, land, compensation, truth, justice and healing.
To everyone who was removed, kidnapped, taken, placed in care – We pay tribute to you today. To the champions who advocated, rallied, protested, organised, here in Victoria – We pay tribute to you today.We pay our respects to the Stolen Generations and their families, to those that made it home, to those still searching and to those who rest in the Dreaming with their Ancestors and families.
If you are a member of the Stolen Generations and are looking for family, you can contact Link Up Victoria for support: http://linkupvictoria.org.au/