Changing rights & Freedoms - aboriginals
There were many Aboriginal groups, spread across the country.
They lived far apart from each other, so they spoke their own language: about 230 Aboriginal languages have been counted.
There was no written language so talking and storytelling were the means of communication and of passing on history. Stories were passed down through generations by word of mouth.
They lived far apart from each other, so they spoke their own language: about 230 Aboriginal languages have been counted.
There was no written language so talking and storytelling were the means of communication and of passing on history. Stories were passed down through generations by word of mouth.
Stolen generation
Click the image to see an introductory clip on the Stolen Generation from YouTube.
What was the Stolen Generation?
The Stolen Generations (also known as Stolen children) were the children of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent who were removed from their families by the Australian Federal and State government agencies and church missions, under acts of their respective parliaments.
The removal occurred in the period between 1869 (approx) and 1969. although in some places children were still being taken until the 1970’s.
It is estimated 100,000 indigenous children were taken from their families and raised in homes or adopted by white families until the 1960’s. The policy was designed to ‘assimilate’ or ‘breed out’ Indigenous people.
These children became known as the ‘Stolen Generations’.
Government Policy
Understanding Aboriginal Culture
What was the Stolen Generation?
The Stolen Generations (also known as Stolen children) were the children of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent who were removed from their families by the Australian Federal and State government agencies and church missions, under acts of their respective parliaments.
The removal occurred in the period between 1869 (approx) and 1969. although in some places children were still being taken until the 1970’s.
It is estimated 100,000 indigenous children were taken from their families and raised in homes or adopted by white families until the 1960’s. The policy was designed to ‘assimilate’ or ‘breed out’ Indigenous people.
These children became known as the ‘Stolen Generations’.
Government Policy
- The forced removal of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from their families was official government policy from 1909 to 1969.
- Governments, churches and welfare bodies all took part.
- The removal policy was managed by the Aborigines Protection Board (APB). The APB was a government board established in 1909 with the power to remove children without parental consent and without a court order.
Understanding Aboriginal Culture
- The lack of understanding and respect for Aboriginal people also meant that many people who supported the child removals believed that they were doing the ‘right thing’.
- Some people believed that Aboriginal people lived poor and unrewarding lives, and that institutions would provide a positive
environment in which Aboriginal people could better themselves. - The dominant racist views in the society and government also means that people believed that Aboriginal people were bad
parents and that Aboriginal woman did not look after their children.
Rabbit proof fence (2002)
If you're interested in a contemporary movie about the Stolen Generations - watch this movie.
In 1931, three aboriginal girls escape after being plucked from their homes to be trained as domestic staff and set off on a trek across the Outback.
In 1931, three aboriginal girls escape after being plucked from their homes to be trained as domestic staff and set off on a trek across the Outback.
Reconciliation
The Road to Reconciliation
In 1987, the Hawke Labour Government appointed a Royal Commission to investigate more than 100 Aboriginal deaths in custody.
Most of the Royal Commission’s recommendations were not implemented.One positive outcome was the creation of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR).
The council’s task was to achieve reconciliation between Aborigines & non-Aborigines by promoting greater tolerance, awareness and understanding.
Roadmap to Reconciliation
Reconciliation was about cross-cultural understanding.
In 2000, PM John Howard was presented with an Australian Declaration & Roadmap towards Reconciliation.
This recognised the human rights of all Australians.
It pledged respect for Aboriginal customary laws, beliefs & traditions as well as a commitment to end injustice & overcome Aboriginal disadvantage.
Government Initiative
‘Bringing them home’
In 1987, the Hawke Labour Government appointed a Royal Commission to investigate more than 100 Aboriginal deaths in custody.
Most of the Royal Commission’s recommendations were not implemented.One positive outcome was the creation of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation (CAR).
The council’s task was to achieve reconciliation between Aborigines & non-Aborigines by promoting greater tolerance, awareness and understanding.
Roadmap to Reconciliation
Reconciliation was about cross-cultural understanding.
In 2000, PM John Howard was presented with an Australian Declaration & Roadmap towards Reconciliation.
This recognised the human rights of all Australians.
It pledged respect for Aboriginal customary laws, beliefs & traditions as well as a commitment to end injustice & overcome Aboriginal disadvantage.
Government Initiative
- Although reconciliation process was a governmental initiative, the most positive response came from ordinary people.
- ‘Sorry books’ for Australians to sign were circulated.
- From 1997, colourful ‘seas of hands’ were planted on the parliamentary lawn & around Australia (supported by more than 300,000 signatories).
- ‘Journeys of healing’ were undertaken – more than 1 million people participate in ‘bridge walk’ demonstrations to express solidarity with the Aboriginal cause.
‘Bringing them home’
- An important part of the reconciliation process was bringing to light the experiences of the Aboriginal Children of the Stolen
Generation. - 11 May 1995 – Labor’s Attorney General Michael Lavarch established the National Inquiry into the separation of Aboriginal &
Torres Strait Islander children from their Families. - Between December 1995 & October 1996, the inquiry held hearings throughout all Australians states & territories.
- Following the report the Howard Government provided funding to help reunite some of the families and communities.
- PM Howard’s government expressed regret but refused to make a formal apology.
- It rejected the concept of intergenerational responsibility – future generations should not bear the responsibility for the deeds of past generations.
- People in the present may not be personally guilty but could feel a sense of national shame as equally as they could feel a sense of national pride.
Sorry – 13th February 2008
At 9am during the first session of the new Federal Parliament, on 13 February 2008, the new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd issued an official apology to the Stolen Generation on behalf of the Australian Government.
Embedded below is a YouTube clip of Kevin Rudd's apology. If that is unsucessful, click the image to be redirected.