The Apology Of The Stolen Generations - 1921 Words

The apology to the Stolen Generations was delivered by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in the House of Representatives on the 13th February 2008. The national apology has become a symbol of hope for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islanders. Australia in modern day society are somewhat optimistic for the future of the relationship between both races. Attitudes to Indigenous lives and lifestyles, interactions and attitudes to personal involvement and cultural awareness and pride determines the quality of this relationship. The 2008 government apology to the Stolen Generations brought attention to the issue of reconciliation in a positive way that set an optimistic tone for the future. To improve the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and provide equal life chances for all Australians, it is crucial to understand the underlying perceptions and values that influence society. An essential consideration in understanding the significance of the apology is to understand t he nature of mistakes and responsibilities to which the apology responds. State and territory parliaments delivered apologies which were recommended by the Bringing Them Home (1997) report of the Australian Human Rights Commission. This inquiry was based on the removal of Indigenous Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal juveniles from their families, culture and land. Post events of the apology delivered in 2008, saw Kevin Rudd apologising again to the Forgotten Australians in November 2009. ItShow MoreRelatedThe Letter Apology Of The Stolen Generations By Kevin Rudd3036 Words   |  13 PagesThe 2008 apology to the Stolen Generations by Kevin Rudd is historically significant for a number of reasons (Creative Spirits, 2014). Some felt it provided closure to a painful and traumatic part of Indigenous history while others fail to see how the apology has in the years after proven to change the circumstances of Indigenous peoples. Impacts in areas such as health, education, economic op portunity and involvement in child protection and/or the criminal justice system are all areas which shouldRead MoreThe Apology Of The Holocaust1294 Words   |  6 PagesRudd, had finally apologised the Stolen Generations in his ‘sorry’ speech. The Apology was an important step towards rebuilding respectful and new relationships between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians, and to honour and apologize to stolen generations. Many Australians believe that respectful relationships are essential if we are to solve persistent problems. But poll results can sometimes show otherwise. We will see how the media saw the ‘sorry’ apology, how aboriginal and non- indigenousRead MoreEffects Of The Colonization Of Indigenous People860 Words   |  4 Pagesalso their ancestors. They also have respect and responsibility for country and the wisdom and authority of Elders. This situates a strong emphasis on kinship and relationships within families and other members of Aboriginal communities. The Stolen Generation was the result of the trauma that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders face today. Due to this trauma, this has led to them to losing their culture where they have now fallen at a disadvantage such as their immediate socioeconomic causesRead MoreWhat Did The Stolen 3 Generation Affected The Australian Population1423 Words   |  6 PagesBackground: During the 1890’s and 1970’s, Indigenous Australians did not have equal rights as the ‘white’ Australians and were treated callously, anguished and tortured due to their race. The Stolen Generation was the event where children, who were of an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, were removed from their families. Many Indigenous children were forcefully removed from their families, never being able to see them again. The treatment towards the Indigenous Australian’sRead MoreThe impacts of the Stolen Generation on Australian Life Essay1600 Words   |  7 PagesThe Stolen Generation has had a great effect on Aboriginal rights and freedoms as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders didn’t even have the rights to raise and look after their children and as a result 100,000 Aboriginal Australian’s were displaced and placed into white families. The lack of understanding and respect for Aboriginal culture also meant that many people who supported the removal of these children really thought they were doing â€Å"the right thing†. The impact on Australian life todayRead MoreThe Long Journey Undertaken By Indigenous Australians1442 Words   |  6 Pages2008, when the then Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd made an emotional speech to apologise to the Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders for the terrible suffering and heart wrenching battle they have experienced before, during and long after the Stolen Generation occurred. Though the relationship between the Indigenous and the non-indigenous has somewhat improved, the struggle for the indigenous in the 21st century is still riddled with prejudice and problems. The British colonised Sydney, Australia inRead MoreIndigenous Speeches Research Essay798 Words   |  3 PagesSpeeches are an iconic and widely used means of expression for our political leaders, particularly when discussing issues of importance such as Indigenous Australia. Paul Keating’s ‘Redfern Speech’ and Kevin Rudd’s ‘Apology to Australia’s Indigenous Peoples’ are the two political speeches which I will be analysing in this paper. The structure of this paper will follow the Cultural Competency Framework as a means for exploring the above stated speeches. This framework moves through knowledge; informedRead MoreReconciliation with the Indigenous People of Australia Essay614 Words   |  3 Pagesa major step in achieving this is for an official apology to be made by the Australian Government to indigenous Australians - especially those of the Stolen Generation. But as with any controversial issue in our society there are many differing views on the matter, in support and not in support of such a move. This essay will briefly outline these arguments subjectively. Firstly an argument in support of an apology is that such a statement would be simply recognizingRead MoreAboriginal And Torres Strait Islanders1290 Words   |  6 PagesStrait Islanders for equality and social justice and acknowledged their right to make decisions about matters affecting their own lives. In recognition however of the past injustices faced, Australia’s Prime Minister of 2008, Kevin Rudd, presented an apology speech as a sign of respect to all the Indigenous people and Torres Strait Islander’s. In doing so, this humble and righteous action has broken down the racial barrier between Aboriginals and Australians. Ultimately, promoting the rights of indigenousRead MorePart Indigenous Speeches Essay1682 Words   |  7 PagesAssignment 2 – Part A: Indigenous speeches – research essay The Apology – Prime Minister Kevin Rudd On the 13th February 2008, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, offered an Apology to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People by way of a speech that he presented to the 42nd parliament of the Commonwealth. His speech outlined the past oppression of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who had to endure pain and suffering. Children were forcibly removed from their families. Mr Rudd opened