Apology to the Stolen Generations
On the 13th February 2008 the Rudd Government of Australia formally apologized for laws and policies which caused pain, suffering and hurt to the Stolen Generations in the past. The term Stolen Generation refers to Indigenous Australians who were removed from their families by Government, Church and welfare authorities under the Aborigines Protection Act between1909-1969.
The Government Apology has been considered a fundamental step towards Reconciliation and the acknowledgment of our history. Mr Rudd said "the time has come, well and truly come, for all peoples of our great country all Australians, those who are Indigenous and those who are not, to come together, to reconcile, and build a future for our great nation."
On this Sorry Day, thousands of Aboriginal people traveled to Canberra to listen to the Prime Minister's speech from the lawns of Parliament House and to celebrate this historical moment.
Photos from "Day on Convergence on Canberra" provided courtesy of Ms Linda Eisler, member of the Canterbury Aboriginal Advisory Group.
